MANILA, Jan. 15, 2012—The Feast of the Señor Sto. Niño usually brings to fore the role of children in the life of the Church. But according to a Church official, the feast of the Holy Child Jesus also highlights the responsibility of parents to seriously shape their children’s spirituality.
Citing the story of Jesus when he was lost in the temple, Fr. Conegundo Garganta said the Holy Child’s ability to speak and converse with the elders at the age of 12 signifies the successful rearing of Mary and Joseph of the Son of God.
“At an early age, Jesus made himself fully aware of the true plan of God for him. He was sitting with the elders doing his ministry very early,” he said.
“He wouldn’t be filled with that much wisdom if not for the rearing of his parents, Mary and Joseph. This is why the feast of Sto. Niño also highlights parents’ role in shaping their children’s spirituality,” he added.
Garganta, the executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth, nevertheless urged children and the youth to imitate the Holy Child in serving God at an early age.
“We are all invited to be close to and stay with God. We just need to respond to the invitation as early as our childhood or youth,” he said.
He also encouraged parents to “continue to guide and bring your children close to God” like how Mary and Joseph did with the young Jesus. (YouthPinoy)
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