OPENING SALVO OF THE SR. STO. NIÑO DE PAGADIAN ANNUAL FEAST DAY
Theme: “Uban sa Pangama ni Señor Sto. Niño Maghiusa kita sa Panaw padulong sa paghari sa Ginoo”.
January 6, 2022. The Opening of the 9 days novena in preparation for the Feast of Señor Sto. Niño, the titular of the Diocese of Pagadian was a lively Motorcade of the image of the Sto. Niño around the City Proper that started at 3:00 PM. Hon. Mayor Samuel S. Co took the lead followed by around a hundred vehicles and motorists participated by countless devotees coming from the different sectors: LGUs, private citizens, institutions, government agencies, local communities along with our very own Rev. Bishop Ronald Lunas, STL, DD.
After the motorcade, everyone converged at the Cathedral where a simple ceremony was held with Mayor Sammy Co making a symbolic turnover of the image of the Santo Niño to Bishop Ronald Lunas as a sign of the city government’s commitment to collaborate with the feast day religious observance prepared by the Cathedral spearheaded by Fr. Allan Onden, the Parish Administrator and Fr. Noel Capadngan, Parish Vicar.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year’s Kapistahan hopes to center more on the religious activities rather on the socio-cultural tradition. It will focus in the community celebration of the Holy Eucharist with the participation in the novena masses of everyone including the business establishments, local government units, education and other institutions in the heart of Pagadian City.
SEÑOR STO. NIÑO de PAGADIAN KAPISTAHAN PRESSCON
January 6, 2022. At 5:00 in the afternoon, media people gathered at the Columban Hall at the Cathedral Convent for the Press Con with Fr. Allan Onden, the Parish Administrator, Fr. Noel Capadngan, Parish Vicar, PLT Virginie P. Bartiana, Pagadian City Police Officer and Jun Esperante, Parish Volunteer.
The PressCon was well attended by twenty media people from six radio stations: RPN DXKP, Medialink Pagadian, RMN-DXPR, OneTV Phils, Asenso Pagadian, DXYN Muelos FM. The Pagadian City Police were also present as well as the staff of SOCCOM – Diocese of Pagadian with Bong Lanipa facilitating the afternoon event.
The new normal of the Kapistahan takes into account the importance of strict observance of health protocols mandated by the government. Vaccination passes will be required for those who will be joining the Holy Eucharist throughout the nine days especially on the Feast Day on January 16, Sunday. The traditional Sinulog rituals will no longer be done but something more simple right after the mass inside the church. There will be more schedules of the masses to accommodate more people and observe social distancing as much as possible.
The role of the media in informing the people about these new normal observances is important as well the mutual support and cooperation between the city government and the church will help make this year’s Kapistahan a successful event to remember.
FLUVIAL PARADE
Jan. 15, 2022 7:00am
Amidst the colors and the throng, the image of the Sto. Niño de Pagadian was processioned on the streets of Pagadian City. Headed by Bishop Ronald Lunas, DD. and Rev. Fr. Rolando Onden, the image of the child Jesus was conveyed through a motorcade from the Sto. Niño Cathedral church to the wharf area. A fluvial parade through Yllana Bay followed, with the Coast Guard and the PNP providing security. In attendance were also Mayor Samuel S. Co with his family, as well as some councilors of Pagadian.
After the fluvial parade, the image of the child Jesus was brought back to the Sto. Niño Cathedral. Many devotees lighted candles, prayed and honored the dear Sto. Niño. Masses were celebrated at 11:00 am, 4:30pm and 6:00pm.
FIESTA MASS
January 16, 2022
Live truth, live Catholic!”
Bishop Ronald “Bong” Lunas, STL. DD. opens his homily with an encouraging statement to all believers of Christ to be witnesses of the Catholic faith by living the truth at all times today on the Feast Day of Señor Sto. Niño on January 16, 2022, at the Cathedral Parish. The 10:30 AM celebration of the Holy Mass was also concelebrated by ten other priests.
His homily centers on the Child Jesus who became the symbol of the Catholic faith not only in the Pagadian Diocese but in the whole world. He further deepens his message on the Catholic Faith as a Synodal Church that describes the believers who are in communion with one another in the mission of God growing together in the journey of faith.
Countless devotees and believers of Christ convene at the Sto. Nino cathedral to offer prayer and thanksgiving to the Child Jesus for the many blessings and protection received from the past year.
Some are dancing and singing with their colorful image of Sto. Nino as an expression of their reverence of the Child Jesus after the Holy Eucharistic celebration. “This has become a family tradition to dance on the feast day of Sr. Sto. Niño as a form of our expression of prayer and thanksgiving.” This was shared by a devotee whose family members joyfully danced with the beat of Pit Senior festive music…
Viva! Pit Señor
