The Santo Niño Celebration commemorates the conversion of the Filipino people to Catholicism and the miraculous nature of an image of the Christ child presented to the queen by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.
“I had heard of the story and so we came to celebrate with them,” said Vicky Clamor, a parishioner at St. George Parish, Ontario.
In his homily, Fr. Seleccion shared how the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord connected with the devotion to the Holy Child of Cebú and challenged the faithful to use this celebration to transform their lives.
The Santo Niño statue can be seen dressed in different garments, depending on where the person encounters God, Fr. Seleccion said. The image shows that one can see God in different capacities: as a healer, as a provider and as a protector.
“Being baptized Catholics, let us be committed disciples in proclaiming a message of peace,” Father Seleccion said. “Let us be committed, then, in proclaiming a message of forgiveness by becoming true reconcilers and by making the human heart a kingdom of love.”
A reception followed the Mass, where participants were able to gather for dinner and entertainment in the parish’s hall.
“It’s a great event. We can keep and share our culture and traditions with the community,” said Hubert Landicho, a parishioner from St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Chino Hills.