Santo Niño and the Children of Tokhang
As we started to process the experiences of grieving mothers and wives of tokhang victims, we also try our best to help the children make sense of this painful reality of their lives. Some of these innocent faces have seen with their own eyes how their fathers were murdered. Looking at them, they seem to smile and enjoy for some few moments during the sessions. But no one can really fathom the anxiety and pain this has brought to their lives.
The Gospel reading on the feast of Santo Niño, the Christ-child, comes alive: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Jesus warns sternly: "Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-5,10). While we fight for justice for the victims, we also seek out the most vulnerable --- the mothers and their children. Two main issues came up in these sessions with the mothers: how to seek justice for the unjust death of their beloved and how to feed their children when their breadwinners, mostly dumpsite scavengers, were taken away from them. What future is in store for this children? I have heard many of my friends would like to help but do not know how. Please let us know so that we can coordinate with you. This might be the best way to say: "Viva, Sr. Santo Niño! Viva Pit Senyor!" |