Amid a gentle drizzle at dawn, the second day of the Traslación continued earlier today with the departure of the images of the Holy Family en route to the Nuestra Señora de Regla Parish National Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City.
Fr. John Jericho F. Mier, OSA presided over the 4:00 AM Send-off Mass at the National Shrine of St. Joseph (NSSJ). Immediately after the Mass, the images of the Holy Family began their journey to Lapu-Lapu City.
Along the route, devotees lined the streets to warmly welcome the passing images. Many carried their own images of the Holy Child, pausing in prayer to offer petitions and thanksgiving as the procession moved forward.
Upon arrival at the Regla National Shrine, a Welcome Mass was held presided over by Fr. Benido Tumol, MSC (Shrine Rector and Parish Priest) together with the Shrine’s team of pastors and visiting priests.
Anchoring his homily on today’s Gospel which speaks of the healing of the leper, Fr. Tumol urged the faithful to allow their devotion to the Holy Child to move them to become true ministers of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness to others.
“The Santo Niño is an image, a living demonstration that God is so merciful—that He is always ready and willing to forgive our sins when we come with faith, ask with humility, and beg wholeheartedly,” he said, reminding the faithful that God never turns away those who sincerely seek His mercy.
Despite the rain that welcomed the arrival of the images of the Holy Family in Lapu-Lapu City, Fr. Tumol also expressed his appreciation for the faithful’s unwavering devotion, assuring them that God blesses every sacrifice offered in faith.
“When we do things with faith, God smiles at us. When we come to the Santo Niño with faith, the Lord sees us—He sees our faith, our intentions, and the sincerity of our hearts,” he said.
The faithful will have the opportunity to venerate the images at the Regla Shrine until 3:00 AM tomorrow, January 17. A Send-off Mass will be celebrated at 4:00 AM, after which the images will be brought to NavForCen in preparation for the fluvial procession.