A Sea of Faith Engulfs Filipino Feast of Sto. Nino
The recent Sto. Niño Feast in the Christchurch Diocese was a joyous celebration of Filipino culture and faith. Nine novena Masses were held from 9-17 January at Sacred Heart, Addington, and Our Lady of Victories, Sockburn. The Feast brought together the Filipino community and beyond to honour the Santo Niño (Child Jesus), and to commemorate the introduction of the Catholic faith in the Philippines, more than 500 years ago.
After the nine-day novena Masses, a fluvial procession was held in Lyttelton Harbour on 18 January, with a vespera (evening) Mass at 7pm, held at Sacred Heart Church, Addington. Finally, the Sto. Niño Fiesta was held on 19 January, with Bishop Michael Gielen as celebrant and concelebrated by Fr Rex Ramos, Fr Zani Pacanza, and Fr Sam Leidel at the Haeata Community Campus.
During his homily, Bishop Gielen shared that the Filipinos have the most beautiful faith in the world, because they are very religious and devoted. His final advice was to never fail or be shy to come to the child Jesus and to make sure to teach that kind of love for Sto. Niño to their children. Even if they grow up in the modern and comfortable life of New Zealand, they will still practice their faith and always come to Jesus, because these children are the future of the Church and our community, and they need to be humble and obedient like Sto. Niño to his Heavenly Father.
One of the celebration’s highlights was the vibrant Sinulog dance, performed at campus grounds. Dancers, adorned in colourful costumes, moved gracefully with the signature two-step-forward, one-step-back rhythm, mirroring the ebb and flow of a river.
Beyond the vibrant performances, the festival was a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving Filipino heritage. Religious ceremonies, including Novena masses and a meaningful fluvial procession in Lyttelton Harbour, deepened the community’s connection to their faith and cultural roots.
The Sto. Niño celebration transcended cultural boundaries, fostering a sense of unity and belonging. It provided a valuable opportunity for younger generations to learn about their heritage, connect with their elders, and experience the vibrant spirit of Filipino culture firsthand.
The festival was a true testament to the enduring strength of the Filipino community in New Zealand. It was heartwarming to see the festival attract participants from diverse backgrounds, including Caucasians, Indians, and Samoans. The mesmerising dances, performed by various groups in stunning costumes, captivated the audience.
The delicious and plentiful food was a testament to the generosity of the Filipino community. Viva Pit Señor Sto. Niño!
