ILOILO City – Amid the dazzling hues and dynamic rhythms of Dinagyang Festival is a profound narrative of faith and devotion.
The festival, a kaleidoscope of cultural splendor, transcends its earthly celebration to become a spiritual odyssey for countless devotees, each carrying their tales of miracles and faith in Senior Santo Niño (Child Jesus), the cherished patron of this grand festivity.
As the solemn foot procession weaved through the streets on Friday afternoon, Jan. 26, a sense of divine presence filled the air, palpable in the hearts of the faithful. Among them was Liela Hablero, whose life was a testament to the transformative power of unwavering faith.
“Ever since I became a devotee, almost all my prayers have been answered, like good health and long life for my family and loved ones,” Hablero shared, her voice imbued with gratitude.
Her journey underscored a vital spiritual truth – true prayer is complemented by perseverance and hard work.
“I pray for my parents and loved ones to be spared from sickness and for steady work,” added Hablero, a 22-year-old resident of Barangay Veterans Village. “It’s not just about praying; you also have to work hard to receive Senior Santo Niño’s blessings.”
This narrative of faith was echoed by 57-year-old Barangay Rizal Estanzuela resident Concepcion Milliam, whose devotion was nurtured by family tradition yet flourished into a personal sanctuary of peace and providence.
“Since I became a devotee, I’ve felt that all my needs, especially in emergencies, have been met. That’s why I bought my own Santo Niño image; it’s the first time I’ve owned one,” Milliam reflected.
As a sole breadwinner, she prayed for guidance and good health during the procession.
Her faith is an intimate bond between the devotee and the divine, a connection that brings solace and sustenance in life’s tumultuous moments.
Dinagyang Festival also serves as a spiritual refuge for those seeking healing and hope, like Celeste Tiokson, 70, from Camarines Sur. She embarked on a heartfelt pilgrimage to Iloilo City to pray for the recovery of a loved one undergoing dialysis.
“I came here hoping my sister-in-law in America will recover. I believe my prayers will be answered, especially if Senior Santo Niño feels they are sincere and from the heart,” Tiokson expressed, her faith a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.
Amid these personal tales of devotion, the story of Teresita Aldamar – a long-time devotee from Veterans Village – stood out as a testament to the enduring grace of Senior Santo Niño in guiding and enriching the lives of His devotees.
“Life has become lighter,” Aldamar remarked, her years of devotion filled with countless blessings.
She began her devotion at 18 years of age after acquiring a Santo Niño image.
“I’ve received many privileges, and being the sole person managing our family’s finances, I’ve noticed an ease in our financial situation,” she said.
Aldamar also noticed that whenever problems arise, they are quickly resolved, and she is kept safe from illness and danger.
Her main prayer this year is for good health and a long life.
Her narrative is a reminder of the profound impact of faith in navigating the challenges of life, ensuring that no devotee walks alone.
As the Dinagyang Festival continues to enchant and inspire, the stories of Hablero, Milliam, Tiokson, and Aldamar weave a rich tapestry of faith that transcends the spectacle of the celebration. In their devotion to Senior Santo Niño, they find not only answers to their prayers but a deeper connection to the divine, a source of strength and solace in the journey of life.
Through their eyes, the Dinagyang Festival becomes more than a cultural event; it is a spiritual haven, where the sacred and the secular merge in a dance of faith, hope, and divine love./PN
