DESPITE feeling crestfallen after losing several family members and friends, survivors of the massive landslide that hit the City of Naga warmly welcomed the image of Señor Sto. Niño.
The image of the Holy Child Jesus paid the evacuees at the Enan Chiong Activity Center a surprise visit Wednesday afternoon, September 26, just before sundown.
A chorus of "Viva Pit Senyor!" erupted as landslide survivors made their way to the makeshift altar prepared near the entryway.
The cheers, though, later on became an emotional symphony of prayers.
"The visit of Señor Sto. Niño is symbolic to me because it gave me a new beginning. Hapit na gyud mi nawagtangan og paglaom," said Alita Omambac, one of the survivors.
Basilica rector Fr. Pacifico Nohara, who accompanied the image of the Holy Child, encouraged everyone to pray and give the environment a place in their hearts.
Before the visit, the pilgrim image went earlier to the mining site of Carmen Copper Corp. to allow employees and devotees from Toledo City and adjacent towns to pay homage. (RTF)