Today, November 13, 2023, the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu (BMSN) community celebrates the 1,669th birthday of Saint Augustine of Hippo.

The celebration started with a prayer service followed by a holy mass presided over by Fr. Andrew Batayola, OSA, Prior Provincial-elect of the Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de Cebu-Philippines.

Also present were the Augustinian friars of the different communities under the Province, the Augustinian Sisters of Divine Love, and the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows Servants of Mary of Pisa.

As the Augustinian community celebrates the birth anniversary of Saint Augustine of Hippo, the Catholic faithfuls are urged to become active custodians of God’s creation and of our dear brothers and sisters.

“The corporal works of mercy are found on the teachings of Jesus and lead us to be molded [on] how we should treat all others as if they were Christ in disguise,” Fr. Batayola said.

Together, let us become instruments to express the blessing that is God’s boundless love.

St. Augustine of Hippo is the Spiritual Founder of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) known as the Augustinians.

The Augustinians are the caretakers of the Basilica and the image of the Holy Child, Señor Santo Niño de Cebu, since its finding in 1565.

Click here to view more photos: Basilica Minore del Santo Niño Facebook Page.