As people of God, we are called to journey together, participate in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, and live in charity. As a celebration of faith, we gather before Jesus, who since the time of his apostles and disciples, has been known as the Source of communion and the fount of Life for the Church’s mission. Today we continue to proclaim Jesus Christ as “the Way, the Truth and the Life” (cf. John 14:6); the Lord unites us together in our pilgrimage to the Father.

Indeed the Feast of the Santo Nino on January 16, 2022, anticipated by Novena Masses from January 7 to 15, 2022, expresses our ardent desire to commune with the Lord. The celebration in honor of the Holy Child is an opportunity for us to reflect on the gift of faith that we have received.

Our nation has been blessed to receive the image of the Santo Nino 500 years ago. This event is marked recently as the “Introduction of Christianity in the Philippines.” The quincentennial commemoration (1521-2021) calls us to appreciate not only the gift graciously received as a people but to discern as well our mission as Christians of today.

As a nation, we have surpassed and overcome many challenges with faith and resilience. However, with the pandemic caused by the Covid-19 and the havoc of typhoon Odette (Rai), we are impelled once again, to respond to the pressing needs of many Filipinos who remain hungry, homeless, and jobless in many parts of our country today. May our communion with the Lord not only enlighten and reconcile us to Him but above all, bring us to the marginalized in our communities which leads to a better change and transformation in our society.

The chosen theme for the 2022 Feast of Señor Santo Nino of the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino echoes the invitation for a “Synodal Church” which is called to “communion, participation, and mission.” As members of the one Body of Christ—all of us—the clergy, the religious, and the laity, are called to encounter and discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit as we constantly listen to the Lord’s voice in the Scriptures and the Church. In communion with the Lord, let us continue to live and proclaim the Good News as we respond genuinely and selflessly to our Mission in the Church and our society today. Let us invoke the help and grace from Señor Santo Nino our protector and guide.

Viva Pit Senyor! Viva Señor Santo Nino!

-Augustinian Friars of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu-