Roman Catholics mark the month of January as the month of the Holy Child, in honor of the Child Jesus, the Sto. Niño, whose image has become a common fixture in the homes of the faithful around the country.
Before the pandemic, grand and colorful festivities, town fiestas, elaborate processions, and other commemorative festive rites are traditionally held in many parts of the country at this time of the year, particularly on the third Sunday of January which is celebrated as the Feast of the Sto. Niño.
This year, however, many provinces are opting to tone down their celebration because of the health crisis. Holy Masses with limited church attendees will be held. There will be no grand processions to avoid large gatherings. In some localities, a motorcade will take the place of the usual land procession.
In 2015, the feast of the Holy Child was particularly memorable as it coincided with Pope Francis’ farewell mass at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, Manila.
The devotion to the Child Jesus is widespread and popular among Filipino Catholics who keep an image of the Holy Child garbed in different outfits in their altars at home. As the revered patron saint of children, parents invoke the intercession of the Sto. Niño to keep watch over their children.
“The image of the Child Jesus with a king’s crown symbolizes the Kingship and the Childhood of Christ. The small globe on His hand signifies that Christ is the King of the Universe who became a little child.” Church leaders said. (Christina Hermoso)
