In preparation for the revered Santo Niño procession, Cebu City will close eight major thoroughfares to vehicular traffic this Saturday. The decision comes as part of the city’s efforts to facilitate the solemn foot procession, which is expected to attract thousands of devotees, clergy, and public officials. The procession will commence at 1 p.m. from the Osmeña Boulevard entrance of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. Pastor Alcover II, head of the city’s public mass transport division, identified the roads to be closed as Osmeña Boulevard, M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Legazpi Extension, Arellano Boulevard, S. Osmeña Jr. Boulevard, D. Jakosalem Street, Lapu-Lapu Street, and P. Burgos Street. Motorists are encouraged to find alternative routes during the event. Earlier on the same day, a fluvial procession will transport the Santo Niño image from Muelle Osmeña in Lapu-Lapu City to Cebu Pier 1, with participation from over 300 vessels, as reported by the Philippine Coast Guard-Central Visayas. Following the fluvial procession, the image will be carried in a procession to the Basilica for a 9 a.m. mass, marking the first Catholic mass, wedding, and baptism, led by Fr. Andres Rivera Jr. The day’s events will culminate with a 1 p.m. solemn procession and a Vesperas Mass led by Bishop-designate Ruben Labajo. On the following day, Fiesta Señor Sunday, Fr. Jerome Antogop will officiate the Mañanita Mass, and Archbishop Jose Palma will lead the 6 a.m. Pontifical Mass.
