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January in the Philippines is a month dedicated to the Child Jesus, a time when the Catholic faithful flock to churches to pay homage to the beloved Sto. Niño. Among the countless images venerated across the archipelago, three stand out as particularly significant: Sto. Niño de Cebu, Sto. Niño de Tondo and Sto. Niño de Arevalo. These icons, each with its own unique history and profound cultural impact, offer a glimpse into the deep-rooted faith and vibrant traditions of the Filipino people.
The most renowned of these images is undoubtedly the Sto. Niño de Cebu. Brought to the island by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, this wooden statue is believed to be the oldest Christian religious image in the country. Legend has it that when Magellan’s forces burned down the village of Cebu, the image was miraculously preserved from the flames. This event, along with the subsequent conversion of Rajah Humabon and his wife, Queen Juana, to Christianity, marked a pivotal moment in Philippine history. The image is the only canonically crowned image of Jesus Christ in the Philippines.
Today, the Sto. Niño de Cebu resides within the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, a magnificent church that draws millions of pilgrims each year, particularly during the Sinulog Festival, a vibrant celebration held every third Sunday of January. The festival, a fusion of indigenous and Christian traditions, is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the cultural significance of the Sto. Niño in the lives of Cebuanos.
The Sto. Niño de Tondo: A legacy of faith
The Sto. Niño de Tondo, believed to have arrived in the Philippines around the same time as the Cebu image, holds a special place in the hearts of Manileños. This wooden statue, originally owned by a Spanish conquistador, was brought to Tondo by a Franciscan friar. It quickly became an object of veneration for the local community, who built a small chapel to house the image.
Over the centuries, the Sto. Niño de Tondo has witnessed the rise and fall of Manila, surviving wars, earthquakes and the ravages of time. Today, it resides in the Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish or Tondo Church, a testament to the unwavering faith of the Tondo community. The annual Fiesta Señor de Tondo, held every third Sunday of January, is a joyous occasion marked by processions, street dancing and fervent prayers.
In the bustling city of Iloilo, the Sto. Niño de Arevalo stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. It was brought by Spanish Governor General Gonzalo Ronquillo de Peñalosa in 1581 to the town of La Villa Rica de Arévalo, now known as district of Arevalo in Iloilo City and was originally enshrined in a small chapel in the Arevalo district. Over time, the chapel grew into a grand basilica, attracting devotees from all over the region.
The Sto. Niño de Arevalo is particularly revered for its miraculous powers. Countless stories abound of answered prayers and miraculous healings attributed to the intercession of the Child Jesus. The annual Fiesta Señor de Arevalo, celebrated with much fanfare and devotion, draws thousands of pilgrims who come to offer prayers, light candles and seek blessings from the beloved Sto. Niño.
The Sto. Niño de Cebu, the Sto. Niño de Tondo, and the Sto. Niño de Arevalo, each with its own unique history and cultural significance, represent more than just religious icons. They are symbols of faith, hope, and resilience, embodying the enduring spirit of the Filipino people. These ancient images serve as powerful reminders of the profound impact of Christianity on Philippine society and the deep-rooted devotion of the Filipino people to the Child Jesus.
As January unfolds, millions of Filipinos will continue to flock to churches and chapels to pay homage to these beloved icons. Through their prayers and offerings, they seek blessings, express gratitude, and reaffirm their faith in the enduring power of the Child Jesus. The legacy of these oldest Sto. Niño images will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift generations to come, serving as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the vibrant cultural tapestry of the Philippines.
