Viva Señor Sto. Niño!

The retablo inside the Basilica

The third Sunday of January has been dedicated by the Philippine Church to be the Feast of the Sto. Niño, the titular feast in the Philippines. But for the Archdiocese of Cebu, this is the Feast! Festivities happen and are being enjoyed by everyone, honoring the Señor through Masses in the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, and through the Mardigras and dancing around the City of Cebu. But what exactly is the reason behind all these fuss and celebrations?

I can think of only one reason: The Generosity and Providence of God! The feast of the Sto. Niño is a feast that highlights utmost trust and confidence in the loving providence of God. And Jesus showed us the perfect example of how to truly trust in God's love and compassion. Jesus says in the Gospel that we should never worry about what to eat or what to wear for our Father in Heaven will provide! Indeed we celebrate for we have a God who truly provides, a God who truly cares!

As we celebrate then this wonderful and colorful feast of the Señor, let us beg for the grace that we may truly trust in the loving providence of God. May we truly cast our worries upon His feet, for he truly cares!

God bless you and Viva Pit Señor!


I wish to share with you photos of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.

The facade of the Basilica

The Sto. Niño Pilgrim Center

The famous "Magellan's Cross"

A glimpse of the Sinulog Mardigras

Migration & Urbanization - Jesuit Concern

The Scolastics and Brothers-in-formation of the Society of Jesus in the East Asia and Oceania Assitancy held its conference in Melaka, Malaysia last 21 December 2006 - 03 January 2007. The theme of the said conference was Migration and Urbanization, in the context of our assistancy. The conference was indeed very educational for us and provided us with an unforgettable experience living with Migrants and refugees.

Below are some pictures taken during the conference, including all the trips and tours.

The delegates of the Conference posing outside the Good Shepherd Catholic Seminary, Melaka

Pose at the foot of St. Paul's Hill, Melaka

Statue of St. Francis Xavier at St. Paul's Hill

The "temporary" tomb of St. Francis Xavier, St. Paul's Hill

The A Fomosa, Melaka

In front of St. Francis Institution, one of the oldest structures in Melaka

The Prime Minister's Building in Putra Jaya, Malaysia

The Putra Jaya Mosque

A pose in front of the Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur

Tour at Singapore City

A pose with the Merlion

Dinner at the Jesuit Novitiate, Singapore City

The Society of Jesus continues to work for and with the Migrants, Itinerants, and refugees around our assistancy. We do hope that our exposures and inputs will spur us further in our zeal to be of service to all, a service of the Faith that does justice!

Happy Three Kings

On Sunday we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, commonly called the Three Kings. What does this Solemnity have to say to all of us, Catholics in the contemporary era?
I think we can draw two points from this solemnity.
First, the three magi traveled all the way from the East in search for the King of kings. And they were all led by the brightness of the Star. We all are sojourning towards our King of kings, who guide us toward Him? Who are the "Stars" of our life, of our journey? Perhaps it is good to thank the Lord for them.
Second, the magi gave the Infant Jesus presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, all priceless gifts, worthy of a King. If we reflect, what can I offer Christ the King this new year? What could be my "New Year's Resolutions" which can become my New Year's gift to Him?

Happy Three Kings, everyone!