Before faith moves mountains, it urges the believers’ feet to take that first step toward God—slow, steady, and sure, carefully taking in the essence of the journey more than the destination.

The streets of Fuente Osmeña Circle, Cebu City leading to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu (BMSN) compound were not just filled with banners bearing the Holy Image’s classic hues of red and yellow, but with a sea of devotees ready to put their faith and devotion into motion.

Around 300,000 Catholic faithful united to take part in the Penitential Walk with Jesus at four o’clock in the morning to mark the start of Fiesta Señor 2023. The vibrant flower-decked Sto. Niño carroza was led by BMSN Rector Rev. Fr. Nelson. G. Zerda, OSA, along with the outgoing 2022 Hermano Mayor and Hermana Mayores Reynaldo Labrado and Ginalyn Labrado. The foot procession rallied Augustinian priests, brothers, lay ministers, volunteers, and lay people, all for their love for the Holy Child.

The carroza was warmly welcomed by teary-eyed but relieved devotees as they sing and dance their petitions and prayers in person to the Child Jesus. As the familiar hymn of “Bato Balani sa Gugma” wafted through the crowd’s ears, time stood still. 

The solemn Opening Salvo mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Nelson G. Zerda, OSA, with his homily centered on this year’s Fiesta Señor theme, “Sto. Niño: Our Source of Peace in the Walk of Faith”. 

He reminded that even if “Usahay, bisan diha sa atong pagpangalagad, usahay taas ang atong garbo,” God is in control and knows what is best for us.

“Kuyog ta ninyo… Padayon ta ninyo. Padayon ta sa pagsunod kang Kristo. Padayon ta sa pagpaambit sa pagtuo,” Rev. Fr. Zerda proclaimed.

“Daghang mga obstacles, circumstances nga dili kalikayan apan kung magpabilin tang matuohon, masinugtanon sa kabubut-on sa Ginoo; ang Ginoo dili mobiya nato, iya tang ubanan,” he added.

The installation of the new Hermano Mayor and Hermana Mayores happened right after the homily. As a symbol of the transfer of authority, last year’s Hermano Mayor and Hermana Mayores handed over the baston and a medal was given to the newly installed Hermano Mayor and Hermana Mayores –Engr. Venerando Olandria and Dr. Donna Lei Olandria.

The Sugbuanons and Sugbuanons-at-heart’s devotion to the Sto. Niño has proven to be strong, which no pandemic or physical hiatus can prevent. As we anticipate the grandeur of the fiesta day, may we always be vigilant and mindful of our words and actions as we take into account the Child Jesus’ blessing as our companion in life.

Together, we acclaim, “Viva, Pit Senyor!” /Lorille Antoinette C. Mata, BMSN Media Centre volunteer