Pit Senor! :)

Hey, I feel like it's been forever!  Happy New Year , my family and friends. :)

It took me a long time to write again because I've had a very stressful and troubling two weeks. Maybe I will be able to share it with you in the near future. For now, I'll give this time to talk about the reason why every January, there are several Sinulog Festivals in the Philippines, the biggest of which is the one in Cebu.

He's the baby Jesus. But we call him Sr. Sto. Nino.

My grandmother had him and was passed on to mama, when lola died. I believe, our Sto. Nino has been in our family for at least 100 years.

So every January, mama leads a 9 day Novena. And it ends every January 15.

The novena is all about thanksgiving, asking for forgiveness and requests. Our novena booklet is really old. It used to be light yellow but has turned to brown already. hehe.. It is in visayan and some words are in Latin. If you listen to the prayer, you will know how miraculous the black Sto Nino is. I love the rhytm of the wordings. It's like a slow rap of prayers. :)

Over the years, I've seen our Sto. Nino's face looked grim. But mostly , he's smiling. :) You can see it from the picture above right?

He used to have a white dress. But one night, mama dreamt that a little black boy came to her and asked for a red one. So since then, we usually buy a red cape for him.

So amidst the big parade during the Sinulog celebration, the loud music, the good food and the fun - this little black child is the reason. 

Let's not forget to light a candle and say a prayer. If you're catholic, encourage your children to join the novena. That's one good value you're passing on there. With what's happening in the world, we need God's guidance and help every day right? Our little boys and girls need it more. Them, being the future generation. :)

                                               Marco with our Patron Saint. :)

                       

       The sumptous dinner afterwards. Shrimps, beefsteak, lechon kawali, spaghetti with garlic bread. :)

There was never a reason for us to go to Cebu, because we have had Sinulog in our home since we were children. :)

But next year, I promised mama that I will take her there.  If God permits... :)

                                                             Lea C. Walker

                                                      leawalker.blogspot.com

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