Sto. Niño devotion, a continuing devotion every generation
People from all walks of life have different stories to tell about the powerful hand of Señor Sto. Niño in their personal lives, businessman Rolando Layson is not exception to the growing devotees in the entire country. Devotion to Sto. Niño has captured a large following of devotees other than the Black Nazarene.
For Layson, his faith on the Little Child started when his daughter Ruby Ann Layson Go suffered from birth pains and was brought to the hospital. He recalled that they were sent back by the doctor since his daughter was not yet due to give birth and yet suffering from a terrible pain.
When they returned home, they prayed for the intercession of the Little Saint who was then sold to them by a peddler days before his daughter was about to give birth. The image was dressed and has his own place in Layson's home. The following day, his daughter gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Jian. They called him by his nickname as Ino, short for Sto. Nino.
Layson's faith and belief to the saint does not stopped from the birth of his grandson Ino. He used to frequent the Sto. Niño image at the San Jose Parish Church and thought of donating his savings in one of his piggy banks for whatever improvements that the church may institute in the image.
His plan changed for whatever reason, instead, he used the money to buy a new Sto. Niño image for the St. Anne Parish Church. He had asked one of the famous wood carver in the city to carve him an image of the Little Child. With little hitches during the carving process and the dressing up stage, the image was finally found his home inside the Molo church. The icon is clothed in red with ensembles of gold thread and has gold crown and scepter.
In 2006, Layson donated the image to the Rev. Fr. Tomas Delicana, parish priest of Molo. The same image was used the merrymaking activities in Molo for the two successive years. This year, the icon is placed in glass casement which made Him prominent.
Layson, when asked what has the Little Child brought to his life, he proudly said his business runs smooth and they have a strong family relationship. He was also able to give to those who asked him for whatever help they need. He said they will continue to be a devotee of the Señor Sto. Niño.
Whatever claims he has, the Sto. Niño remains a powerful symbol of faith especially to those people who feel the blessings and miracles in their lives. Miracles which are retold from generation to generation to all who believe with childlike faith in Him.