Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague is 50 years old

The celebration the Golden Jubilee has been more significant as the number of devotees increased on its 50th year. It was 1968 since the Sto. Niño figurative icon was brought by Catalina Santos. Since then, it was taken care of by the committed individuals.

Fr. Paul Cuizon who presided over the 2:30 pm fiesta mass on January 15 said, that the Sto. Niño is really close to the hearts of every person. Simply, because it is an emblem of a child and all of us is connected to him.

Nena, not her real name and a resident from Bankerohan, Davao City professed her devotion. She believes that the Sto. Niño saved them from two devastating tragedies that they encountered. A flood and fire happened into their barangay just this December. Luckily, nothing happened to them and they’re safe. The only thing that she’s holding up to those times is her beloved Sto. Niño figure. During the flood that happened, when the water is almost waist-level they were stuck in an elevated place within their house. They’re very anxious of their situation and she prayed to Sto. Niño and fortunately the water lever lowered down.

Also during the fire.

The fire was just one block away from them and they did a Sinulog in front of it. For they have heard about His miracles, and they’re house had not been covered by fire.

A mother of two, Delia started her devotion since she was at the age of 17. She believes that it was the Sto. Niño who saved her. When she was about to give birth, her baby was declared to be stillbirth and if the baby won’t come out still, her life might be in danger as well. Then, she prayed to Sto.Niño, asked petition for her sins and later the situation had been well.

The commemoration this year had been more meaningful because of these testimonials. For fifty years, Davao City has been blessed for having a Shrine where devotees need not to fly to Cebu for Sinulog. Here in our midst, the child awaits us to visit to visit him uphill. (Rochelle Rusiana | Dawn Tajo, HCDC interns)