Basilica, Sto. Niño image as “national treasures”

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City’s centuries-old Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño and its “miraculous” image of the child Jesus are set to be declared as “national cultural treasurers” by the National Museum of the Philippines.

National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairperson Rene Escalante made the announcement during a recent webinar series on the history of Christianity in the country.

“This stature is the highest recognition the State can give to such historically and culturally-significant heritage of the Filipino people,” Escalante was quoted in CBCP News report.

Fr. Ric Anthony Reyes, spokesperson of Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu, said the Augustinian community in Cebu welcome the announcement.

“We welcome with gratitude the distinction to be given by NHCP the Basilica Church and image of Sto. Nin~o de Cebu. Recognizing the historical and cultural value of the Basilica and of the image of Sto. Nin~o is a great help for us Augustinians for a more professional approach of the upkeep of the said historical monument and object,” Reyes said in a statement.

The official declaration, Escalante said, will be held on April 14 to coincide with the opening of the year-long commemoration of the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The day will also mark the 500th anniversary of the first baptism in Asia’s bastion of Christianity.

To highlight the celebration, there will be reenactment of the historic event and 500 children with special needs will be baptized at the basilica.

Archbishop Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, will be in Cebu to grace the occasion.

Reyes said the NHCP will continue to be their constant partner in the preservation of the historical and cultural treasures.

Reyes added that the declaration is a source of joy for the Augustinian Order in the Philippines, the Archdiocese of Cebu and for the entire nation considering that the privilege will be awarded during the celebration of the 500 years since the arrival of Christian faith in the country.

“It's a reason to celebrate with great joy thanking the heavenly Father through the Child Jesus for His abiding presence for 500 years and beyond,” Reyes said.

Cebu City Councilor Phillip Zafra, who is the chairman of the committee on peace and order at the City Council, said they have already started meeting with church officials in preparation for the quincentennial celebration.

Zafra said that aside from security concerns, they also have to ensure that health protocols are enforced considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. — Sanden J. Anadia, FPL (FREEMAN)