22
community
February 11, 2014
T
he Valley Catholic
Santo Nino annual feast day
celebrated at cathedral
A grand finale at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, Jan. 18, capped the 31st
Santo Nino celebration in the Diocese
of San Jose, preceded by a 9-day novena
with Masses held at different diocesan
churches, all sponsored by the Diocesan
Council of Filipino Catholics (DCFC).
Festivities at the cathedral started
with a performance of the “Sinulog”
by Samahang Filipino Performing Arts
led by Sherwin Magallanes, dressed
in Southern Philippine Moro-inspired
costumes.
This is a traditional feature which
consists of dancing before the image
of the Santo Nino. It is a recollection of
the history of the Santo Nino in Cebu,
Philippines: its presentation by Ferdinand Magellan to Filipino rulers, its
re-discovery 44 years later, its miracles,
and the devotion of Filipinos to the
Holy Child.
Sinulog was followed by the “Karakol,” street dancing characteristic of the
province of Cavite fiestas, notably in the
city of Naic, where the Santo Bambino de
Aracoeli is housed in an open-air chapel.
This practice, adopted for the Santo
Nino celebration, was led by Fernando
Saraya, DCFC sergeant at arms. The
Santo Nino is placed on a decorated altar/canopy and carried on the shoulders
of men from different parishes.
Principal Mass celebrant was Bishop
Patrick J. McGrath with many local
priests concelebrating. Transitional
deacon Jeff Ferna