The most revered image in the Philippines – Santo Niño de Cebú is an image of the Child Jesus much venerated as miraculous by the majority of Filipino Catholics and revered as the symbol of the Catholic Faith in the country. The oldest Christian image in the Philippines, it was originally given in 1521 as a baptismal gift by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to Hara Humamay, the chief consort of Rajah Humabon, along with a statue of the Virgin Mary, and a bust of depicting Christ as Ecce Homo.

Pope Paul VI granted a Canonical Coronation of the statue on 28 April 1965 and later raised its shrine to the status of Minor Basilica on 2 May 1965 via his Papal bull Cubanula Religionis to mark the 400th anniversary of its arrival in the islands.

The devotion to the Santo Niño is common with worldwide veneration of the Infant Jesus of Prague. The image is found in many houses, business establishments, and public transportation. Traditionally, the image is often dressed in one of two colors: red is common for domestic images, while green – symbolizing luck – is worn by those enshrined in businesses. It is also often dressed in miniature costumes that often reflect the profession of its devotees.

Come & join the Filipino Community of the Diocese of Reno to celebrate Santo Niño at St. Therese Church of the Little Flower on January 16, 2022, at 12:00 Noon. Mass will be presided by Most Rev. Bishop Daniel H. Mueggenborg Bishop of Reno.

    This is a celebration for all people! A celebration meant for family! All are invited to bring their statues of Santo Niño to be blessed.

     For more information, call Maripaz Ramos at 775-326-9423.