CEBU CITY – Some 392 sea vessels composed of at least 136 ships and 256 motorbancas, surpassing last year’s 329 vessels, joined the Sinulog Fluvial parade early today, Saturday, January 17 along the Mactan Channel for the annual Sinulog Fluvial Procession with the images of Señor Sto. Niño, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and St. Joseph on board the official galleon, MV Lite Ferry Ten, passing under the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).
The galleon with the Holy Family onboard started with the send-off mass at the National Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Regla in Lapu-Lapu City after which the vessel proceeded to the Naval Forces Central (NavForCen) Port in Barangay Looc, Lapu-Lapu City for the official start of the 461st Fiesta Senor Fluvial Procession, passing through the Mactan Channel through the iconic CCLEX Bridge, before it concluded at Pier 1 in Cebu City where hundreds of thousands of devotees awaited the galleon’s arrival.
The Fluvial procession marked the return of the Holy Family to Cebu City and capped off the Traslación that brought the images to the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue and the National Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Regla in Lapu-Lapu City.
Upon arrival at Pier 1 in Cebu City, a short foot procession led the images back to the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu, where the faithful awaited for the Reenactment of the First Mass and Baptism.
The Sinulog Fluvial Procession is actually the re-enactment of the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan and his crew in the Philippines, specifically the presentation of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) to Queen Juana, wife of Rajah Humabon, in 1521.
The procession/parade commemorates the baptism
of Rajah Humabon and his followers, marking the introduction of Christianity to
the Philippines. The Santo Niño image, given by Magellan, is considered a
symbol of faith and devotion.
The Philippine Coast Guard issued safety guidelines for the Fluvial procession. Only registered vessels are allowed to participate and it’s a must for every vessel to follow designated routes and speed limits. Life jackets are mandatory, no overloading or littering is allowed and the galleon, MV Lite Ferry Ten is given priority.
The gloomy weather did not hinder the outpouring of faith; instead, the air vibrated with fervent cries of "Viva Pit Señor!" and the rhythmic performances of various dance groups upon the arrival of the sacred images that were carried in short foot procession back to the Basilica Minore del Santo. Niño de Cebu for the Reenactment of the First Mass and Baptism.
Lite Shipping Corporation expressed gratitude as one of the official hosts of the 461st Fiesta Señor Fluvial Procession, a major highlight of the Sinulog festivities celebrating the devotion to Señor Santo Niño and it deployed two boats for this event with Lite Ferry Ten, the company's brand-new, world-class vessel and Lite Cat 2, another internationally accredited vessel certified by Lloyd's Class of London in 2023. (Photos: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu/FB/Lite Shipping)
No comments:
Post a Comment