CEBU CITY – Be it in malls, hotels, or public parks, it is the time of the year when Christmas trees pop up and tree-lighting ceremonies are everywhere.
But a hotel here provided a deeper meaning for such ceremonies as instead of a Christmas tree, it lighted lanterns or “parols” handcrafted by inmates.
COUPLE Fe and Rafaelito Barino, the top honchos of Duros Group of Companies, pose after leading the lighting of Christmas lanterns in front of the Cebu Quincentennial Hotel on Saturday night, Nov. 30, in Cebu City. (Calvin D. Cordova)
About 300 star-shaped lanterns were lit at the driveway of Cebu Quincentennial Hotel in an event on Saturday night, Nov. 30, that was described as very symbolic.
“A parol symbolizes the star of Bethlehem. Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem and there was a star there. This is very symbolic,” said Fe Barino, president of Duros Group of Companies.
Barino said the lanterns are even more meaningful as they serve as a reminder of Pope Francis’ call for the need of a humble and synodal Church.
“Parols in different colors are significant this year because of Pope Francis’s synodality which is inclusive. Pope Francis wants everyone, including those in the peripheries, to be inclusive. So, I pray that this Christmas, in the spirit of synodality, those who are forsaken, those who are just living on the streets, those who are forgotten will be given help,” Barino said.
Barino added that the Pope has emphasized that everyone should look after each other.
“We should care for each other. We should care for those who are in jails, those who are living in the streets. The Church has to be inclusive which is called the synodal way,” Barino added.
Barino became emotional when she talked about the origin of the lanterns.
Tearing up, Barino disclosed that the lanterns used for the lighting ceremony were handcrafted by Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
“We want to celebrate Christmas by remembering them because unlike us, they cannot even celebrate Christmas with their families,” Barino said.
Barino, who is the chairperson of the Commission of the Laity of the Archdiocese of Cebu, is hoping that the lighted lanterns will inspire people to help the PDLs.
For Barino, PDLs are among those who badly need help.
“Maybe this Christmas, there will be people who will have empathy, who will visit and help them. It is our hope that these lanterns will encourage some people to help those who are in jails,” Barino said.