History
The discovery of the Philippines is linked to Spain's
glorious chain of conquests. On September 20, 1519, a fleet of five galleons
commanded by Portuguese Navigator Ferdinand Magellan at the service of the king
and queen of Spain set sailed from San Lucar de Barrameda to search for the
Spice Islands. They did not find the spice island, instead they landed in
Limasawa, a small island south of Leyte in the central part of the Philippines.
Magellan took possession of the islands and named it after King Philip of
Spain.
Magellan's expedition headed for Cebu and found the island
very hospitable. He made Cebu the base of his exploration, Christianization and
conquests. King Humabon and Queen Juana of Cebu gave him a warm reception and
embraced Christianity as well. As gratitude to his hospitality, Magellan agreed
to fight with king Humabon who was at war with the neigboring tribe, Mactan.
Unfortunately, Magellan was killed in the battle. His men returned to Spain,
and that same expedition has set the record to be the first to circumnavigate
the earth.
Spain sent another expedition to the Far East Region. An
Augustinian priest, named Andres Urdaneta, a world-known cosmographer who lived
inside the monastic walls of the Augustinian monastery in Mexico was summoned to
lead the expedition. On November 21, a memorable expedition left Mexico for the
Philippines and arrived in Cebu on April 27, 1565.
DISCOVERY OF THE IMAGE
OF THE SANTO NIÑO
Because of Cebuanos suspicion that their return is bringing
retribution to Magellan's death, another battle broke out. But heavy
artilleries and huge cannons forced the natives to flee to the mountain leaving
behind their villages burnt to the ground. As Spanish soldiers inspected the
burnt village, one soldier found an image of the Child Jesus under the pile of
ashes unscathed inside the wooden box.
As earlier authenticated entry in the Journal of Pigafetta,
clerk in the Magellan expedition, explains the origin of Santo Nino: "On
the day Queen Juana was baptized by Father Pedro Valderama, chaplain of that
expedition, Pigaffeta himself presented her with the Image." The same
Image now lies in the Basilica del Santo Nino and become a favorite destination
for millions of pilgrims each year. For four and half centuries now, the Image of
Santo Nino continues to make wonders in the lives of many Filipinos. On the
third Sunday of each year, in Cebu, millions flock to the streets for a
colorful festivity, honoring and placing the Island and the entire Philippines
under His Patronage.
During the last World War, a bomb fell inside the Church but
the Image was recovered unscathed. It was one of the numerous miracles and
powers attributed to the Holy Image.
In 1965 the historic Santo Nino Church was renovated for the
observance of the Fourth Centenary of the Christianization of the Philippines
held in Cebu City. It was during the centennial celebration that the Sacred
Congregation of Rites elevated the Santo Nino Church to the rank of Basilica
Minore with all the rights and privileges accruing to such title.
THE SANTO NINO DE CEBU ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL
In 1968, Sally Famarin brought the devotion to the Holy
Infant Jesus to the Bay Area. Her tireless effort has brought national
distinction to Americans of Filipino descent, and the Santo Nino Fiesta become
a recipient of numerous Proclamations from top US government and ecclesiastical
officials as one of the most beautiful celebration and a recognition of the
continuing friendship and outstanding achievements of Filipino-American
community.
The devotion of the Santo Nino was also considered the means of
inspiring the highest values in upholding sacred traditions of Philippine
culture and heritage here in the Bay Area. Through the late Fr. McGee, pastor
of the St. Joseph Church in San Francisco, a marble altar was constructed to
enthrone the Image of the Santo Nino de Cebu inside St. Joseph Church. On
January 17, 1982 a mass in honor of the Santo Nino was celebrated in
thanksgiving for the passing of the US Congress Resolution in recognition of
the Shrine as part of National Registry of Cultural and Historical Places. The
Vatican and Pope John Paul II also sent an Apostolic Blessing, and said
"by this time of writing, the Santo Nino de Cebu is the only Filipino
identity that is registered in the National Registry of cultural and Historical
Places in Washington D.C·. The Santo Nino in San Francisco strengthen that
Image."
In the 1987 Saint Joseph Church became one of the casualties
of the strong earthquake that hit San Francisco and consequently closed.
Today, the Santo Nino de Cebu Association International at
St. Dominic's Church has continued the lead in upholding its centuries-old
devotion to the Holy Infant Jesus.
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