History Unfolds: 500th Anniversary of the Arrival of the Image of Sto. Niño de Cebu

Now there’s more reason to be excited with the grandest festival in the country as the Holy Child Jesus, Sr. Santo Niño is bound to celebrate its 500th year of existence in the country. It can be recalled that a week after April 7, 1521 when the great explorer, Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Cebu that the holy image was given to Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon after their baptism. Forty-four years later, April 28, 1565, the holy image was found in a box by the soldier, Juan Camus. This image of Sr. Santo Niño was then turned over to Fray Andres de Urdaneta, OSA – the Augustinian friar who participated in Miguel Lopez de Legazpi’s expedition.

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According to historians, the original image of Sr. Santo Niño is the oldest religious relic in the country. And in celebration of its 500th anniversary, the Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de Cebu-Philippines prepared some activities to commemorate this grand celebration.

Photo by Royal Snapper, Wynn Loner Uy

This November 13, 2019 will be the grand launching of the Quincentennial celebration of the Arrival of Sr. Santo Niño in Cebu which will fall in the year 2021. The program will be led by the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia. After the launching at 3pm, a holy mass will be presided by the Papal Nuncio alongside Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

READ: Fun Facts: Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño

Photo by Royal Snapper, Dan Arnel Manilag

Highlights of the Quincentennial celebration of the Arrival of Sr. Santo Niño de Cebu

  • Unveiling of the official logo of the 500th Anniversary of the Arrival of the image of Sto. Niño de Cebu
  • Concert featuring the University of San Agustin’s Coro Liturgico Agustino and the Troubadors and the Coro del Sto. Niño de Cebu at 7pm
  • Presentation of the 10-point agenda of this historical event and the official website of the Quincentennial celebration
  • 500 pilgrimage visits of the image of Sto. Niño around the country and the world

This overall celebration aims to give honor on how Christianity was introduced in the country through the image of Sr. Sto. Niño.

READ: Cute Little Sto. Niños Spotted on Sinulog

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