ORLANDO  |  Filipinos from across Florida filled the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, Jan. 26, 2025, to celebrate their devotion to the Santo Niño, or Holy Child Jesus.

This gathering honors the birth of Catholicism in the Philippines more than 500 years ago. Historical accounts say Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed on the shores of Cebú in 1521, and gifted a statue of the Child Jesus to the king and queen when they and other natives converted to the faith.

“It reminds us of who we are as Filipino American Catholics living in the United States,” said Father Nathanael Soliven, parochial administrator of St. Anthony Parish in Lakeland. “It strengthens our identity.”

Father Soliven is originally from Pangasinan, a northern Filipino province. He was ordained three years ago and has participated in the celebration ever since. Each year the crowd grows. He imagines a time when the basilica may be too small for the gathering.

“Even the first generation of Filipinos born in the U.S. are participating in the celebrations,” he shared. “We’re seeing, even though they weren’t born in the Philippines, the tradition is being passed down.”

At Mass, families had their Santo Niño statues blessed. Children brought flowers, prayed, sang and received blessings.

The community continued worship outside with Sinulog, cultural prayer-dances especially choreographed to honor the Child Jesus. The dances depict historical accounts of the Spaniards’ arrival and subsequent conversions. The word Sinulog describes the forward and backward movements to the sound of drums.

The Filipino ministry will celebrate its 20th anniversary in the Diocese of Orlando July 27, 2025, the feast of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Our Lady of Antipolo) at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe.

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By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, January 31, 2025