Santo Niño de Cebu
The Santo Niño is the soul of Cebu. Devotion to the Holy Child Jesus is strongest in Cebu but one, whether in statue or stamps form, is found in all Catholic homes across the entire Philippines. Filipinos in other parts of the country often appreciate if a statuette of the a Santo Niño is brought as a pasalubong (travel souvenir) or remembrance from Cebu.
The original statue is small, barely about 12″ tall. It is made of dark wood is given as a conversion gift to the wife of Cebu’s ruler Rajah Humabon by Magellan himself in 1521. The church burned down in 1565 but the little statue was undamaged and became a a legend. The Santo Niño is more than Cebu’s patron saint and is an object of veneration of cult-like proportions.
The Santo Nino exists in various forms, from black to white with blonde hair, alone or posing with Mary and Joseph, or lying down taking a nap. This replica is the classical pose but is (Spanish) Caucasian in features while the original is dark brown.
Taken inside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines .
Share your devotions here with Santo Niño.