SANTO NIÑO - 500 YEARS
BACKGROUND OF THE EVENT
The Santo Niño at 500 is a solemn celebration of the 500-year milestone of our country's great history. The country's oldest Catholic icon, the Santo Niño, is known for His miracles and people's devotions that transcend religions. In the words of Pope Francis, the Holy Child is the Protector of the Philippines for half a millennium thus His significance both in our history and culture. Looking back at our country's history, our ancestors have gone through numerous triumphs and defeats. It is indeed through the abiding presence of the Father in the Santo Niño that we have thrived this far. With the commemoration of the 500 years of the arrival of the image of Santo Niño, let us remember our struggles and sacrifices as people of God, and pray for the future of the Catholic Church and the Republic of the Philippines.
To celebrate this 500-year milestone, the Order of Saint Augustine Province of Santo Niño de Cebu-Philippines outlined build-up activities that have already started in 2019 and will culminate in 2021. The Augustinians are the first missionaries in the country and the caretakers of the miraculous image since its finding in 1565.
ABOUT THE LOGO
Theme: Sto. Nino: The abiding presence of the Father in our Journey of Faith
The pentagon shape (5 sides) signifies the five colorful centuries of Christianity in the Philippines. It also represents the Christian community that was built through faith.
The Hands holding the Sto. Nino symbolically represents the abiding presence of the Father in the community. The Sto. Nino image as held by the Father is given to the humanity. As said in the gospel, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1;14)
The waves and the galleon give us a picture of how the image was brought to the island. Moreover, it also represents our journey with life. Despite life’s storm, we continue to sail believing we are never alone.
The map of Cebu represents the island where the Sto. Nino image found His home.
The worshiping hands depict the custom and tradition associated to the devotion to the Holy Child. First hand carrying a candle represents the dancing of the Traditional Sinulog, which is done by the candle vendors praying and dancing in front of the Basilica. Meanwhile, the second hand represents the waving of hands of the devotees upon singing the Gozos to Senor Sto. Nino de Cebu known as the Bato balani sa Gugma (Magnet of Love).
The 500 number signifies the 500th anniversary of the arrival of the miraculous image of Sto. Nino de Cebu.