Over 5.2 million Catholic devotees celebrated the feast of Santo Niño in Cebu, central Philippines, on January 18. The annual gathering is a profound act of devotion that reflects the deep Catholic faith of the Filipino people. Thousands took part in a massive procession honoring the image of the Santo Niño. Archbishop Alberto Sy Uy of Cebu officiated the pontifical Mass at the Minor Basilica of the Infant Jesus, which houses the original statue. Tens of thousands of people attended the nine-day novena before the feast day.
Pope Leo XIV sent greetings to the faithful gathered for the feast day celebration through the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. In his letter dated January 5, the pope said that the annual feast must inspire the faithful to live out their baptismal commitment through a grace-filled life in Christ, marked by service, charity, and solidarity, particularly toward those on the margins of society.
The statue of Santo Niño was brought to Cebu in 1521 by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Queen Juana of Cebu got baptized on April 14, 1521, and received a Santo Niño image as a baptismal gift. This marked the beginning of Christianity and devotion to the Holy Child Jesus in the Philippines. Today, it is one of the largest Catholic countries in the world with over 90 million Catholics.