As the Christmas season approaches, Catholic churches across the Philippines once again open their doors before sunrise to celebrate one of the Church’s long-standing traditions—the Misa de Aguinaldo. The Misa de Aguinaldo marks the spiritual countdown to Christmas and can be traced back to the Spanish colonial era. It refers to a series of nine dawn Holy Masses held from December 16 to December 24. Celebrated as one community, Catholic faithful gathered for the Misa de Aguinaldo at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Pilgrim Center. The first day of the Misa de Aguinaldo was presided over by the Basilica Rector, Rev. Fr. Andres D. Rivera, OSA, together with other Augustinian friars and visiting priests. The Holy Mass serves as a devotional preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ, honoring the journey of Mary and Joseph in the days leading up to Christmas. At its heart, the Misa de Gallo emphasizes prayer, sacrifice, devotion, and joyful anticipation. Through the proclamation of the Word of God and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the faithful are invited to reflect on God’s promise of salvation and to accompany Mary and Joseph on their journey toward Bethlehem. Through prayer and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the faithful are reminded of Christ’s humble coming into the world and are called to conversion, perseverance, and a renewed commitment to faith and devotion. Today, the Misa de Aguinaldo continues to be observed across the country, standing as a symbol of faith, resilience, and devotion. More than a ritual, it is a prayerful proclamation of hope, sacrifice, and joyful anticipation of the coming of Jesus Christ. /Caren Itolle

Hundreds of devotees filled the streets of downtown Cebu today for the 348th Fiesta de la Consolacion, marking nearly three and a half centuries of devotion to Our Lady of Consolation with the theme: “Mary as Our Mother of Hope”. The celebration began with a 2:00 pm Mass at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, presided over by Rev. Fr. Cyril Jeth Tagalog, OSA. Rev. Fr. Alberto Benedict Soliman, OSA delivered the homily, joined by concelebrants Rev. Fr. John Jericho Mier, OSA, Rev. Fr. Jules Van Almerez, OSA, and Rev. Fr. James Alibong, OSA. Since its inception in 2007, HuNiño has remained an original songwriting competition dedicated to deepening devotion to the Holy Child, bringing together composers, arrangers, and interpreters whose heartfelt melodies serve as prayers of love and faith.

The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu once again became the stage for faith expressed through music as the 14th HuNiño: Huni Halad Alang Kang Señor Santo Niño unfolded on August 27, 2025, at the Santo Niño Pilgrim Center. Since its inception in 2007, HuNiño has remained an original songwriting competition dedicated to deepening devotion to the Holy Child, bringing together composers, arrangers, and interpreters whose heartfelt melodies serve as prayers of love and faith.

In celebration of the Solemnity of St. Augustine of Hippo, Spiritual Founder of the Augustinians, the faithful gathered at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu to glorify and give thanks to the Almighty God. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Most Rev. Jose S. Palma, D.D., Apostolic Administrator of Cebu, together with the Augustinian Friars of the Province of Santo Niño de Cebu–Philippines.