When people do things with good intentions, it can be harder to discern whether or not these actions are actually right.
Fr. John Ion Miranda, an Augustinian friar from the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, calls out the use of green vestments, or any other color at all for clothing given to Sto. Niño statues. Fr. Miranda mentioned how the use of other colors is merely associated with superstition, which the Catholic church does not believe in. The sacred figure of the Holy Child was brought by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, not in green or any other color, and is now sitting at the heart of the Basilica. The image is overseen by the Augustinian friars of the Order of Saint Augustine.
Fr. Miranda educates the public regarding the image presented in green. This is known as the “Sto. Niño de la Suerte,” and is used by many as a lucky charm. The priest emphasized the Church’s stance against superstitious practices. Supporting his claim, he brings up a document by the late Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal two decades ago, explicitly stating that only red vestments should be given to the Sto. Niño image.
The friar highlights the symbolic value of colors in the realm of Christian iconography. The significance of red, in this case, symbolizes the suffering and kingship of Jesus Christ. In preserving the sanctity of Sto. Niño de Cebu, he urges everyone not to participate in the integration of superstition such as Feng Shui beliefs.
