Cebu (CNN Philippines, October 19) — Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has warned the faithful against individuals who sell naked images of the Santo Niño de Cebu which are making the rounds of social media as an amulet or lucky charm.
Palma also denied performing a blessing ritual to images of the naked Santo Niño or Santo Niño Hubad de Cebu.
“I am making a disclaimer that no, I have never blessed Hubo nga Santo Niño,” said Palma adding it was being described as an amulet to improve businesses and as a love potion.
Palma said there are claims that he was the one who gave the blessing to such an image that looked like an unclothed Holy Child Jesus.
The Cebu archbishop said he saw the image on social media and he said it does not look similar to the Santo Niño de Cebu. He said that the Church did not endorse or approve of such an image.
“What happened was some people may use us.. So be careful na lang [please be careful],” Palma added.
A Facebook page for the “Santo Nino Hubad de Cebu” showed a tiny gold-colored image which can be worn as a pendant.
“Pinakapopular na panggayuma at pampasuwerte sa negosyo. Maaari ring pang proteksyon sa anumang sakuna aksidente at panganib maging sa mga masasamang espiritu at mapanakit na pwersa gaya ng kulam at barang,” the FB page posted.
[Translation: The most popular love amulet and lucky charm for businesses. This can also be used for protection from harm and from bad spirits and other harmful forces.]
