HOPE: The Eve of the 460th Fiesta Señor Celebration 

HOPE: The Eve of the 460th Fiesta Señor Celebration 

Señor Santo Niño cradles the world in His left hand, close to His heart, as if guiding us to keep hope alive within our hearts and draw closer to Him. As the first light of dawn breaks on Visperas Day, His presence envelops Cebu City, filling the air with reverence and anticipation. Hearts, stirred by His holiness, are drawn to Him with profound love and devotion.

On January 18, the Basilica was a sanctuary of hope, as countless devotees gathered to offer their gratitude and reverence for the Holy Child through various activities leading up to the Fiesta Señor celebration. As the Visperas came to a close, the faith-filled journey was beautifully encapsulated in a single word: HOPE.

 

H – Honoring Him: The Fluvial Parade Tradition

From the silhouettes shadowed by the richness of dawn, thousands of devotees gather along the Mactan channel and aboard vessels while their hearts unite in faith and devotion to the Holy Child. This signals the beginning of the colorful tradition that celebrates the Christian roots of the Philippines, the annual Fluvial Parade.

This year’s parade holds special significance as it marks the second occasion that the Holy Family, Señor Santo Niño, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and St. Joseph the Worker sail together across the Mactan Channel. The sacred images, having been transported from the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu to the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City and Birhen sa Regla in Lapu-Lapu City the previous day, are now en route on their journey back Home. 

Retracing the steps of history and faith, the MV Sto. Niño de Cebu, serving as the galleon carrying the revered icons, sets sail with 305 registered boats adorned with colorful decorations following in its wake. Before the sea parade, Archbishop José Serofia Palma, DD, led a solemn blessing. This hopeful sight reflects the faithful’s devotion, with each vessel carrying stories of hope, gratitude, and prayer.

Faith flows with water as the sun rises while devotees onshore wave their hands in deep hope, eagerly praying for the Sto. Niño to bless them with His grace.

 

O – Our Hope: The Reenactment 

Upon reaching the pier, the sacred images are met with festive acclaim. A short solemn foot procession follows, returning to the Basilica, where a reenactment of the Christianization of Cebu takes place. This commemorates the moment in 1521 when Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan presented the image of the Holy Child to Reyna Juana, which led to the baptism of the natives.

During the reenactment ceremony at the Pilgrim Center, the glass-encased image of the Sto. Niño is carried by men dressed as Spanish soldiers, symbolizing the introduction of the Catholic faith. The bare-chested natives and Spanish soldiers planted the cross draped with a white cloth beside the altar. 

After paying homage to where Christianity began, a priest presides over the reenactment of the first Mass in the Basilica Minore del Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu. Devotees also witness colorful Sinulog dance presentations that add an air of festivity and devotion to the occasion.

 

P – Persevering Hope: Hours-long Solemn Foot Procession 

Despite braving the heat, an estimated 1.4 million faithful gathered as they took part in this year’s Fiesta Señor Solemn Foot Procession. Their sincere devotion never faltered as they traversed an hours-long walk.

The streets of Cebu were filled with devotees who walked in solidarity, offering sacrifices and prayers. The procession began at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu (BMSN), the spiritual heart of the celebration, and followed a route through A. Borromeo St., Leon Kilat St., Natalio B. Bacalso Ave., V. Rama Ave., B. Rodriguez St., and Osmeña Boulevard.

This solemn event, which united more than millions of devotees, shows the persevering nature of Cebuanos, who share faith, hope, and gratitude.

The procession culminated at the BMSN for the Solemn Visperas Mass, presided over by Most Reverend Ruben C. Labajo, DD.

 

E – Eternal Hope: Visperas Mass 

From dawn till dusk, devotees eagerly prepare for the Visperas Mass as they line up near the entrance by Magellan’s Cross, lovingly cradling the beautiful image of Señor Sto. Niño. 

Despite the pressing crowds, sweat, and heat, their focus remained true on entering the Home of the Child and listening to the Word of God.

In his homily, Bishop Labajo emphasized that Sto. Niño is our “pag-asa” (hope) and not “paasa” (false hope), as He always answers our prayers when we allow Him to guide us in our journey.

“Timan-an natong tanan nga ang dala ni Sto. Niño para nato pag-asa. Bring hope to your individual families, to our society,” he reminded the faithful.

The evening culminated in a spectacular fireworks display, with devotees joyfully singing and dancing to the highly anticipated one-hour Traditional Religious Sinulog.

 

These activities served as the highlight of Visperas Day, the eve of the 460th Fiesta Señor, celebrated with the theme, “Santo Niño: Hope of the Pilgrim Church.”/Donna Rose Egos, BMSN Media Centre student volunteer

 

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