The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu commemorates the historic finding of the image of the “Balaang Bata” Santo Niño de Cebu through a series of liturgical events, processions, and cultural traditions. Rooted in history and sustained by centuries of devotion, the annual observance of Kaplag gathers thousands of faithful in a shared expression of faith, gratitude, and renewal. Kaplag traces its origins to April 28, 1565, when Spanish soldier Juan de Camus discovered the image of the Santo Niño in a fire-ravaged village. The image became a powerful symbol of divine providence and marked the beginning of widespread devotion to the Holy Child in the Philippines. Miguel López de Legazpi and his men venerated the image as a sign of God’s enduring presence. The image was later entrusted to the Augustinian friars, who played a crucial role in nurturing and spreading devotion to the Santo Niño. A chapel was built on the very site of the discovery, now the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. Legazpi then established every 28th day of April as the feast of the Kaplag. For its 461st commemoration, the first day of the Triduum last April 25, 2026, began with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration. It was presided over by Rev. Fr. Andres D. Rivera, Jr., OSA, together with Augustinian friars Rev. Fr. Albert Benedict Soliman, OSA; Rev. Fr. Jules Van Almerez, OSA, and Rev. Fr. Cyril Jeth Tagalog, OSA. The Mass gathered different chapters of the Cofradía del Santo Niño de Cebu and various religious organizations. Following the Holy Mass, the image of the Balaang Bata was brought out in a short mobile procession leading to the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. The faithful accompanied the image in prayer and devotion. The image remained at the cathedral for one day before proceeding to the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish. On the second day of the Triduum last April 26, 2026, the pilgrim image of the Balaang Bata entered Barangay Pasil. The image visited the Santo Niño de Cebu Parish and the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino as part of its continuing journey. Upon arriving at Santo Niño Parish in Pasil, devotees warmly welcomed the image despite the scorching heat of the sun. A Eucharistic Celebration was held in honor of the Santo Niño de Cebu as the faithful gathered in prayer and devotion. The image was then brought to the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino. Devotees accompanied the Santo Niño along the way. Upon arrival, another solemn Eucharistic Celebration was held to welcome the sacred image. The Balaang Bata remained at San Nicolas Parish overnight. While the image stayed at San Nicolas Parish, the second day of the Triduum culminated with a Eucharistic Celebration at the Santo Niño Pilgrim Center in the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. Msgr. Vicente Rey Penagunda of the Archdiocese of Cebu presided over the Holy Mass together with Fr. Jose Roldan Tayactac, Fr. Nemie Boy Cataluña, OSA, and Fray CSN S. Pomoy, OSA. On April 27, 2028, the third day of the Triduum for the Kaplag celebration, the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino held a send-off Mass in honor of the Holy Child as the faithful commemorated the finding of the image of the Santo Niño. Rev. Fr. Andres D. Rivera, OSA, presided over the Holy Mass together with other Augustinian friars. Following the celebration, the pilgrim image of the Santo Niño de Cebu made its way back to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. The final day of the celebration commemorated the 461st anniversary of the finding of the Santo Niño image on April 28, 2026. A reenactment of the historic discovery was performed by the San Diego Dance Company prior to the Holy Mass, allowing the faithful to relive the moment that shaped Philippine Catholic devotion. The culminating Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Danilo M. Carido, OSA, who emphasized in his homily that Kaplag is not merely a remembrance of the past, but a continuing story of miracle, conversion, and rediscovery of faith. “We can only be found if we are to be found,” Fr. Carido reflected, reminding the faithful that God continually seeks His people, inviting them to return to His presence. The celebration concluded with vibrant expressions of devotion, including a traditional Sinulog dance and a Halad Sinulog offered by various chapters of the Cofradía del Santo Niño de Cebu, educational institutions, and cultural groups. More than a historical commemoration, Kaplag serves as a powerful reminder of faith that endures through time. From its origins in 1565 to its present-day celebration, it continues to inspire devotion, unity, and spiritual renewal among Filipino Catholics. As the faithful rejoiced in faith, “Viva Pit Señor!”, the 461st Kaplag stood as a living testament to a faith that continues to be rediscovered in every generation./Adrian Campugan (UP Comm Intern)

On this sacred night of the Easter Vigil, led by Fr. Danilo Carido, OSA, the Catholic faithful gather not merely to recall an event, but to celebrate a victory—the triumph of Christ over sin and death. From the darkness of the church to the lighting of the Paschal Candle, we are drawn into a powerful sign: that no darkness can overcome the light of the Risen Lord. The long journey of salvation history, proclaimed through the readings, leads us to this moment of fulfillment, where God’s promises are brought to completion in the Resurrection. What once seemed like defeat on the Cross is now revealed as victory; what once stirred fear is now transformed into hope. Yet even in the light of the Resurrection, we are confronted with a familiar truth: we still carry fear—fear of suffering, of uncertainty, of death itself. But the Risen Christ speaks into these fears, assuring us that He has already conquered them. If Christ has overcome death, what then should we fear? As we receive the light from the Paschal Candle, we are not only witnesses—we are sent. This light is not meant to be kept, but to be shared. In our daily lives, we are called to carry Christ’s light into a world still shadowed by darkness. During the celebration, the faithful renewed their baptismal promises, renouncing the power of evil and the influence of Satan. This Easter Season, may we move from fear to faith, from darkness to light, and from death to new life. For Christ is risen—He is truly risen. Alleluia! Alleluia!

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.