On Friday, a sea of devotees thronged the main thoroughfares of Cebu City for the ‘Walk with Mary,’ a penitential procession culminating at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. The event was marked by a profound sense of devotion and continuity, as noted by Diocesan priest Eligio Suico during the Traslacion Mass at the Basilica’s Pilgrim Center. Suico emphasized the enduring legacy of faith, stating, “Let us thank our ancestors who shared their stories of hope and mercy as they encountered the Santo Niño. The Santo Niño is accompanying us on our journey to heaven.”
The procession was reported to be peaceful, with Lt. Col. Maria Theresa Macatangay of the Cebu City Police Office confirming the orderly conduct. Over 1,400 police personnel were deployed to maintain peace and order, supported by additional teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fire Protection. Security will be further intensified for the upcoming solemn foot procession on Saturday and the Sinulog Grand Parade on Sunday at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Following the ‘Walk with Mary,’ the revered image of the Santo Niño was transported in a Traslacion to Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu cities. In Lapu-Lapu City, the image will be housed at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Rule for an overnight vigil before being moved to a galleon at Muelle Osmeña. The Fluvial Procession on Saturday will see participation from over 300 registered vessels, with the Philippine Coast Guard issuing warnings about penalties for unregistered vessels attempting to join.