The Santo Nino de Cebu Feast, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, NY, was celebrated on January 12,2019 as a was part of the Brooklyn Diocese Ministry to Filipino Immigrants. The origin of the feast relates to the gift of a wood Saint Nino (Infant Jesus) given by the Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, after his arrival in the Philippines on March 16, 1521. 

The gift was given under the flag of Spain to the wife of Rajah Humabon, Cebu’s Chieftain. 

Thus, the symbol of the Infant Jesus is embedded in the faith, culture and life of the Filipino people.   Each year Filipino’s mark this Santo Nino celebration with a variety of cultural and religious expressions.  

Sr. Teresita Samson, who was born and lived in Cebu, along with Sr. Pauline Sweeney and Sr. Mary Veronica Donohue participated in this year’s Santa Nino de Cebu Feast.  It confirmed the rich diversity and gifts of the Filipino’s to the diocese of Brooklyn.  There were multiple shrines, statues and replicas on display in the sanctuary. The festival highlighted a rich offering of Filipino foods in addition to an engaging display of dance, song and music. The dancers wore bright-colored costumes and danced to the musical accompaniment of drums.  It was a festive and rich celebration of life and culture woven into a deep faith.

By Sr. Pauline Sweeney, SFP - Edited by US Area Office

Images source: https://thetablet.org/filipinos-celebrate-santo-nino-de-cebu/

Published: 24/01/2019