MANILA, Philippines?Being surrounded by hundreds of of Sto. Niño images is an amazing experience.
Every year, you?ll witness the devotion to the Sto. Niño of established names such as Imelda Cojuangco. This year, the presence of a simply bedecked image from Tondo will pleasantly surprise you?it?s labeled, ?From Senator Manny Villar and Congressman Cynthia Villar.? Indeed, the latter acknowledges that the image has been with her family for some time.
The Congregacion del Santissimo Nombre del Niño Jesus holds the annual event that celebrates the glory of the baby Jesus, with the theme: ?Santo Niño?Light and Guide of Priests and the People of God.?
Devotees
Pope Benedict XVI has declared June 2009 to June 2010 as the Year of the Priests. In relation to this, the Congregacion has encouraged devotees to dress their images of the child Jesus in priestly garments. The PNB exhibit boasts of 700 images. Also on view is the image of St. Jean Marie Vianney, patron saint of priests.
The annual procession of Santo Niño images will be held on Jan. 31 at 3 p.m.?from the Philtrade bldg. on Roxas Blvd. and Gil Puyat ave. to the Quirino Grandstand.
Hermanos Mayores of the 2010 fiesta include Manny and Cynthia Villar, Louie and Mellie Ablaza, Jose Ferdinand Rojas II, Jorge Allan Tengco, and Lito and Beng Atienza. Fiesta chair is Deo Pamilar.
***
Join the Mandy Navasero Batanes Photo Safari on Feb. 26-March 1, March 19-22, April 1-5 (Holy Week), and April 23-26. Then, the safari goes to
Coron on May 15-18. E-mail
mandynavasero@yahoo.com, or call 899-1767.
