9/9
The annual feast of Señor Santo Niño has always held a peculiar sway over my soul. It's a time when the year's rhythms seem to reset, a period of introspection that strangely echoes the childlike wonder that permeates the festivities. This January, as I completed the novena masses, I couldn't help but reflect on how deeply this tradition has shaped my life.
One particular novena mass remains etched in my memory. Held beneath the starry canopy of the night sky, the air was alive with the music and the murmur of prayers. We hadn't been assigned the task, but a spontaneous urge moved us to rise and begin dancing. Our initial movements were hesitant, unsure, but as the rhythm of the music washed over us, our bodies began to sway in time. And then, something magical happened. One by one, members of the congregation joined us, their faces illuminated by the flickering candles, their movements a joyful testament to the shared spirit that united us
Another year, we were challenged to channel our creativity by painting the faces of children. It was a delightful chaos, a blur of vibrant colors and infectious laughter. We learned that joy can be found in the simplest of gestures, and that even small acts of service can be incredibly rewarding.
In a truly remarkable turn of events, 2019 witnessed a groundbreaking discovery. During a significant mass, Bishop Bong unveiled a startling revelation: after 82 long years, meticulous examination of the revered Sto. Niño statue revealed that it bore a heart, not a globe, as previously believed. This profound finding led to a rechristening of the beloved icon as the Sto. Niño de Pagadian. The year 2020 then witnessed a momentous occasion – the fresh unveiling and coronation of the Sto. Niño de Pagadian, a testament to the enduring power of faith and the ongoing unfolding of sacred mysteries.
For me, these nine days are a sacred space, a time to shed the excesses of the previous year – the endless parties, the late nights, the distractions that pull me away from my true north. It's a period of recalibration, a chance to re-evaluate my priorities, to commit to my goals with renewed focus and unwavering determination. This year, the sacrifice was profound. Early mornings, early nights, a deliberate withdrawal from the usual weekend indulgences. But the reward has been immeasurable – a profound sense of inner peace and a renewed clarity of purpose.
