ON the heels of the controversial costume worn by a candidate in the Binibining Pilipinas 2023 competition, the Augustinian Friars of the Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño de Cebu yesterday called on the public to treat the devotion to the Holy Child with reverence and respect.
In a statement, the Augustinian Friars called on the faithful to make sure their expressions of faith and devotion are always appropriate to prevent misunderstandings.
“Despite the many expressions of faith and devotion towards the Sto. Niño, it is also important to keep in mind the appropriateness of our actions,” said the Augustinian Friars.
“Let us approach and treat the Sto. Niño with reverence and respect in order to avoid conflict and misunderstanding,” they added.
The statement was issued after Miss Cebu Province Joy Dacoron wore vestments similar to that of the Santo Niño de Cebu as her national costume during the Binibining Pilipinas 2023 competition.
The reference to the Santo Niño de Cebu resulted to backlash on social media directed at Dacoron.
According to the Augustinian Friars, the devotion to the Santo Niño de Cebu is one of the most popular devotions in the Philippines.
In addition, the religious order said the devotion is more profound among Cebuano Catholics, with Cebu being the home of the oldest religious relic in the Philippines.
The Augustinian Friars called on parents to help their children understand and grow their faith in the Child Jesus.
“For parents, as the first teachers of faith, it is part of their duty to let their children be closer to Jesus,” said the Augustinian Friars.
The Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño de Cebu, which is known as the oldest church in the country, houses the image of the Sto. Niño de Cebú.
The Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño de Cebu was founded and is still being run by Augustinian Friars.
