CEBU (UCAN): Millions of devotees flocked to the central Philippine city of Cebu over the weekend of January 18 to 19 to join the liturgical celebration of the Señor Sto. Niño with gratitude and a prayer on their lips.
More than four million people attended the 10-day celebration at various sites. The event also commemorates the arrival of Christianity in 1521, according to administrators of the historic Santo Niño Basilica.
On January 19, the basilica’s sprawling plaza, or Pilgrim Centre, was filled with devotees spilling out onto surrounding streets. Many wept as they expressed thanks for miracles, and even more prayed for deliverance from sickness, family, school, and work problems.
They waved their hands to the Cebuano hymn, Batobalani sa Gugma [Magnet of Love], a popularly known Gozos or ceremonial devotional song sung since the 18th century. It expresses a childlike joy and gratitude for the blessings received.
“The Holy Child has been our constant source of hope and joy over the years. In his childlike form, we see innocence and the enduring power of love that sustains us through all hardships. His presence assures us that we are never alone, and through him, we are given the strength to endure,” said Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu.
“As we celebrate this Jubilee year, we are called to reflect on the deeper meaning of God’s love in our lives and the lives of others. Let us continue to serve, love, and extend his grace to all, knowing that nothing can separate us from his infinite love,” Archbishop Palma said.
Faith and history
Perhaps the country’s biggest liturgical celebration, this 460th year of celebration culminates on January 24, has the theme “Sto. Niño: Hope of the Pilgrim Church.” Cebuanos combine the liturgical feast with the secular Sinulog, also held on January 19.
The revelry carries the same theme but with diverse expressions. It is mainly showcased by dance and music with stomping rhythms, including the “Pit Señor” song composed by a former rock star, Mike Hanopol.
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“With over a million devotees in attendance for this year’s Solemn Foot Procession, may we be reminded of the hope that connects us together as we walk in faith, united in prayer and devotion,” said a January 18 statement from the basilica.
Hundreds of thousands also joined the Penitential Walk on January 16, and other activities like the nine-day Novena and the Traslaciones or the procession of images.
On the eve of the feast, around 500 boats with 8,000 passengers joined the fluvial procession, which commemorates the arrival of Christianity in the country in 1521 by Spanish colonisers.
This year’s fluvial event included the Sacred Family, with images of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Joseph the Worker joining the Santo Niño.
The Sto. Niño is known as the country’s oldest Christian image. Ferdinand Magellan brought it to Rajah Humabon and his wife, Haran Humamay, for their baptism. Shortly after, he became involved in intra-tribal rivalries and died fighting in waters off Mactan island, according to the Italian Antonio Pigafetta, who was a companion on the journey.
The original icon has continuously resided in a sanctuary under the custody of the Augustinians. Father Andres de Urdaneta founded the Church of the Sto. Niño de Cebu on April 28, 1565, when a second group from Spain arrived using the charts made by Magellan.
Cebu’s fiesta ushers in a nationwide round of festivals for the Christ Child, mostly centred in the central Visayas islands. Iloilo and Aklan on the island of Panay, and several cities on neighbouring Negros island also have their own feasts towards the end of January.
