Walk with Mary, Traslacion: 300,000 join 2 processions

CEBU, Philippines — In a profound display of faith and unity, over 300,000 devotees participated in the Walk with Mary and the traslacion yesterday, Jan. 17, 2025, which are key events in the 460th Fiesta Señor celebration.

The Walk with Mary started at 3 a.m. from the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu in Barangay Guadalupe. It passed through Fuente Osmeña Circle and concluded at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu with a Eucharistic celebration.

Rev. Fr. Eligio Suico, who presided over the Misa de Traslacion at the Basilica Pilgrim Center, highlighted the miracles of the Sto. Niño, thanking the older generations for preserving the faith.

“Atong pasalamatan atong mga katigulangan nga wala gyud namag-uli sa pagsaysay kung unsay ilang nasinati nga milagro gumikan sa gamhanang kaluoy sa Batang Hesus,” he said.

The Traslacion followed the novena Mass, where the sacred images of Señor Sto. Niño and Birhen sa Guadalupe were transported from the Basilica to the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City.

Reunion of The Holy Family in Mandaue

A symbolic turnover was held at Barangay Subangdaku, the boundary of the cities of Cebu and Mandaue, where Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia officially handed over the sacred images to Mandaue City Mayor Glenn Bercede.

The solemn motorcade, undeterred by slight drizzles, was accompanied by devotees who prayed, sang hymns, and performed the traditional Sinulog dance along the way.

More than 17,000 people in Mandaue City greeted the images of the Holy Family, and were given the opportunity to venerate the images through the traditional pahalok at the National Shrine of St. Joseph, the faithful.

Most Rev. Ryan Jimenez, Archbishop of Agaña, presided over the Holy Mass, with Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil B. Billones who emphasized in his sermon how Sto. Niño is a symbol of hope.

“Sa kalisod nato ug sa kasubo, hinaot unta mukapyot kita sa paglaum. Ang paglaum dili konsepto; ang paglaum persona, si Señor Sto. Niño,” said Bishop Billones.

A farewell Mass was held in the evening before the images depart for Lapu-Lapu City for the fluvial procession along the Mactan Channel.

Orderly and peaceful event

Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) reported that the event was peaceful and without incident, thanks to thorough preparations and the cooperation of the public.

“Smooth ang lakaw, walay sabod, walay aberya wala tanan although naa lay taligsik, manageable… Hapsay ang lakaw,” said CCDRRMO head Aderson Comar.

This was backed by the Police Regional Office-7, who deployed over 2,163 personnel, supported by partner agencies and force multipliers, to ensure safety and crowd control throughout the festivities.

“This year's religious event, attended by a large number of devotees, experienced no major incidents. I commend everyone involved for their efforts in making these events successful and orderly. Together, let us turn the Sinulog 2025 Festival into a display of our faith and a meaningful experience for everyone," said PRO-7 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan.

Maranan further encouraged the public to continue collaborating, to adhere to the implemented security measures, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to authorities.

MCPO director Julius Sagandoy also commended the smooth conduct of the Traslacion.

“The Traslacion 2025 was a successful event, conducted peacefully and safely. I commend [those involved] for their cooperation, professionalism, dedication, and teamwork.”