Father’s Love, Sto. Niño’s Grace | StoryaNiño

Father’s Love, Sto. Niño’s Grace | StoryaNiño

In some families, fathers rarely show emotions or affection toward their families, especially their children. Yet, behind their somehow emotionless and unaffectionate traits loom the reality that their vulnerability lies in their love and concern for their children. 

Looking after the various stations surrounding the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, Ernesto Restauro, Jr., a 25-year-old devotee and father, stands in his bright neon orange and black emergency responder uniform, smiling and ready to render medical assistance to devotees. 

Behind his bright smile lies the silent agony of a father aching for his child’s healing and recovery. 

“Katong time nga nag sige’g ka-sakit akong anak, sakit kaayo sa dughan paminawon nga akong anak nasakit og ingon-ato,” he shared. 

Ernesto reached a moment where the traditional image of a strong, unyielding father was challenged even to the point of surrender.

“Hasta ko mura’g ka-surrenderon ato, pero giampo ra gihapon nako tanan Niya [to the Señor Sto. Niño],” he recalled.  

The pain his child had to endure tormented him day and night and tore his heart apart. Yet despite this suffering, he remained steadfast in his faith and devotion to the Señor Santo Niño, imploring for his child’s recovery. 

“Sa wala pa’y Sinulog, ang akong anak kay mag-sige jud og kasakit, sige’g ka hospital. First Day pa lang, sige nako og ampo. Bisag matug nako, mao gyu’y akong i-ampo,” said Ernesto. 

With his cries of mercy and supplication, the Holy Child showed His Strength and Might as He granted Ernesto’s petition just before the Novena Days of the Fiesta Señor celebration.

“Wala pay fiesta, gi-ampo nako kada gabii. Unya karon, na okay-okay na gyud akong anak,” he exclaimed with a sigh of relief. 

Through all the hardships, Ernesto remains steadfast in believing that the Holy Child will continue to provide Him hope and solace even in the most burdensome moments. 

“Wala man ta’’y laing maduolan kon kanang sakit na, o burden na sa kasing-kasing kundi si Sto. Niño [lamang],” Ernesto affirmed. 

Now that his petition has been granted, Ernesto continues to smile as he shares his advice to other devotees experiencing similar struggles. 

“Pagsalig lang gyud kang Señor Santo Niño kay salig ra gyud ang makapaluwas kanato,” he proclaimed. 

He does not stop praising and imploring the Holy Child even after granting his prayer. He continues showing his love and gratitude to Him by selflessly rendering his God-given gift of giving others proper medical attention during the Fiesta Señor. 

“Karon ni-serbisyo nako Niya, ug until na ni matiguwang ko,” he committed. 

This Fiesta Señor, Ernesto continues to beseech the Holy Child to hear his prayers for good health for his family and friends and other first responders and volunteers. With his petitions for the wellness of others, he especially implores for his child’s complete healing and recovery.

Ernesto’s love for his child mirrors his profound faith in the Holy Child. His devotion shows that we are never alone through the storms of life. Our beloved, Señor Santo Niño shall be ever-present, ready to guide us through. 

Ernesto has been a devotee of the Balaang Bata ever since he was a child. Now that he has a child, he passes on his firm faith to him, continuing the tradition of affection and devotion to the Holy Child. 

While fathers may seem tough and emotionally distant, deep inside their hearts looms the reality — “a father’s weakness and strength is their love and concern for their child.” /Caren Itolle, BMSN Media Centre student volunteer

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