Amidst the bustling crowd outside the esteemed Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu gates, a young man and his twin brother persistently attend the Novena Masses.
For 21-year-old Charles Andreau Cuizon and his twin James Andreau, the Santo Niño has been their constant companion. Hailing from Barangay Pasil, they were taught to honor the Holy Child Jesus at a young age.
“Ig ka-sugod diri kay sugod pud na sa pangadyi sa amoa kay akoa Mama naa mana’y altar nya mag-tapok tanan para pamisahan,” shared Charles.
Charles always considered the Balaang Bata a guiding light. When he feels hopeless, he turns to Him for courage and comfort. He says praying helps him cope when things become too much to bear.
“Katong time nga na-depress ko kay Siya ra ako kaduolan. Sige ra ko’g ampo,” said Charles.
“Sige ra ko’g simba. Sige ra ko’g ampo. Naa man sad mi Santo Niño sa balay nya adto ra ko mag-ampo. Pag-first kay mo-ingon ra ko ngano nahitabo ni nako pero adto ra pud ko naka-matngon nga ga-isolate ko nga Siya ra pud ga-tabang nako.”
Charles’ devotion to the Holy Child was passed on by his parents, who are also deeply devoted to Him. He shared how attending all the Fiesta Senor activities has become a tradition with his family.
“Sa wala pa ang pandemic kay straight gyud mi fluvial sukad pagkabata namo,” shared Charles. “Every Walk with Jesus, kay naa gyud mi tanan,” he added.
When his father suffered a serious illness, Charles felt as if all hope seemed lost. Through constant prayers, Charles believes that his unyielding faith and devotion to the Miraculous Holy Child played a role in the success of his father’s operation.
“Kato pag-birthday sa ako Papa kay diba fluvial man mi every year, ako Papa nasakit ato kay na-infection iya dunggan nya mao ‘to wala siya ka-fluvial and wala siya kasayaw. Kanang adlawa ang fluvial og iyang operation kay na success ang operation,” said Charles.
He advises others to always pray to God when going through difficult times. He believes that having faith in Him no matter what brings hope and resilience.
“If depressed mo or feel nimo nga naa’y kuwang sa inyoha, i-ampo lang gyud sige tapos ayaw pag-mukmok sa inyoha. Sige ra ka’g ampo sa Ginoo.” /Princess Fernandez, BMSN Media Centre student volunteer