For Jesus, For Others in Sto. Nino
I celebrated masses at the Pilgrim Center of the Minor Basilica of the Sto. Nino during the novena days in Cebu. I had my personal intentions to offer masses for and I really wanted to get in touch again with the popular devotion that helped me choose priesthood. As grace would have it, I was inspired by two behaviors once again as I distributed communion to people.
As a backgrounder, the Pilgrim center is an open space just outside the Minor Basilica where the Church can hold its masses. It is often packed with pilgrims. Crowd control measures are put in place to maintain as much order as can be. Priests would come down from the altar to distribute communion at designated communion stations. People would shuffle through the packed crowd to receive communion.
Ever since my priesthood and whenever I celebrate mass there, I have always been struck by two actions during communion. During the distribution of communion when the crowds are packed, it is a quite moving sight to see people extend their hands and squeeze their way to receive the Blessed Sacrament. It is such a powerful vision reminding me that people need Jesus and long for Jesus. Sometimes in the bustle of shifting bodies, people would call out “Father!” as if asking for help with their palms open and arms outstretched calling the attention of the minister that they have not received communion yet.
The other action that is equally striking is when people who are in the front row, squeezed against the barricade and after receiving their communion would give way to those at the back by squatting down. Unable to move much due to the crowd density and willing to give space for those still to receive communion, they sit down so that others may have access to Jesus. Our humility and service allows others to encounter Jesus.
Despite the inconveniences of joining the big crowds in the celebration of the novena masses for the Sto. Nino, I look forward to it because of these sights. Such Eucharistic devotion that longs for Jesus and gives Jesus to others is an inspiring sight.
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