The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu marked the 60th anniversary of its rededication on 28 February 2025.

Since its rededication on 28 February 1965, the Basilica has remained a beacon of faith, standing as a testament to the enduring devotion and care of the Augustinian friars who have safeguarded it for centuries.

A Legacy of Faith and Dedication

The Church and convent of Sto. Niño de Cebu were founded on 28 April 28 1565, by Fr. Andrés de Urdaneta, OSA, on the same day that Miguel López de Legazpi and his expedition arrived on the island.

Later that year, Legazpi designated a site for the convent and Church of San Agustín, where the revered image of the Sto. Niño was discovered. This miraculous finding ignited the Augustinians’ mission of spreading Christianity throughout the archipelago.

Despite centuries of changes and renovations, the Basilica stands as a symbol of the Augustinians’ unwavering dedication and a pillar of Filipino Catholic faith.

Commemorative Exhibit: “Balay Dalangpanan: Dedication. Elevation. Coronation.”

To celebrate this milestone, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu held a special exhibit themed “Balay Dalangpanan: Dedication. Elevation. Coronation.” This exhibit aimed to reflect on and give thanks for three pivotal events in 1965:

• The rededication of the Basilica after extensive renovations;
• The canonical coronation of the image of Sto. Niño de Cebu;
• The elevation of the San Agustín Church to a Minor Basilica.

Opening Ceremony

The event commenced with an opening prayer led by Rev. Fr. Cyril Tagalog, OSA, who expressed gratitude for the occasion. This was followed by welcome remarks from Basilica Rector Rev. Fr. Andres Rivera Jr., OSA, who thanked the lay partners and the Basilica community for their support.

Rev. Fr. Jules Van Almerez, OSA provided deeper insight into the exhibit’s theme, emphasizing the spiritual and historical significance of these milestones. He underscored how these events shaped the Basilica’s legacy as the home of the oldest religious icon in the Philippines.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

To officially open the exhibit, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, with the Basilica Rector Rev. Fr. Andres Rivera Jr., OSA; Prior Provincial Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Batayola, OSA; and Basilica Community Prior Rev. Fr. Danilo Carido, OSA, taking part in the ceremony.

The exhibit not only chronicled the rich history of the Basilica but also invited pilgrims and visitors to embark on a spiritual and educational journey, deepening their understanding of faith and devotion to the Holy Child.

Eucharistic Celebration: A Reflection on Faith and Devotion

The highlight of the celebration was the Pontifical Mass, presided over by His Excellency Most Rev. Midyphil Billones, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu and Archbishop-designate of Jaro.

A Love Story of Faith

In his homily, Bishop Billones described the Basilica’s dedication as a love story—one where:

“Jesus dedicates His body and blood for our redemption. It is also where we dedicate ourselves to Him. The only problem is, we are forgetful people.”

Using a heartfelt analogy, he likened the dedication of the Basilica to dedicating a love song on the radio. In this metaphor, the Augustinian Fathers and Brothers are the ones who make the dedication call to the Lord, constantly interceding and praying on behalf of the faithful.

The Divine DJ: Dominus Iesus

He further explained that in every dedication call, there is a recipient—the people of God, the Church, and all faithful communities worldwide. But at the heart of it all, the one who plays the dedicated song is the Divine DJ—Dominus Iesus (Lord Jesus)—who sings back His love for us.

A Call to Remember

As the celebration concluded, Bishop Billones reminded the faithful that the rededication of the Basilica is more than just a historical event—it is a living reminder of God’s love.

“Every time we celebrate the dedication anniversary, it’s always a prayer to refresh our love story, to retell again God’s fidelity through the years.”

A Renewed Commitment to Faith

The 60th anniversary of the Basilica’s dedication is not just a commemoration—it is an invitation to renew our love and devotion to the Holy Child.

As we celebrate this milestone, may we allow ourselves to be transformed by faith and drawn ever closer to the Balaang Bata, Señor Santo Niño de Cebu./Charlotte I. Rañola, BMSN Media Centre Intern