Earlier today, the faithful took part in the annual Traslación—the solemn transfer of the Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu and Our Lady of Guadalupe from the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu to the National Shrine of St. Joseph (NSSJ) in Mandaue City.
Devotees lined M. J. Cuenco Avenue to greet the Holy Child, setting up home altars and offering Sinulog beats, prayerful songs, and waves of flaglets and handkerchiefs as expressions of faith and joy.
Upon the arrival of the sacred images at Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City, a symbolic turnover was conducted by representatives of the Cebu City local government unit to their counterparts from the Mandaue City LGU, highlighting the shared devotion and cooperation between the two cities.
The procession, now joined by the image of St. Joseph, then continued to the National Shrine of St. Joseph, where Msgr. Roger Fuentes, Vicar General and Team Moderator of the Shrine, presided over the Welcome Mass.
Msgr. Fuentes invited the faithful to reflect on the vast crowds that once gathered around Jesus to hear His words, drawing a parallel to the devotion that surrounds the Santo Niño today.
“Nganong ing-ana man ka-attractive ang Ginoo sa Iyang panahon nga siya nagwali ug ang Santo Nino sa panahon karon? Tungod kay ang Santo Nino pagpadayag man gud Siya sa dakong gugma sa Ginoo kanato. Diin kon asa ipakita ang gugma, kita gayod maghugop,” he said, reminding everyone that where God’s love is revealed, hearts are drawn naturally in faith and adoration.
He continued by reminding the faithful that the large number of devotees who come to venerate the images is a testament to their faith and love for God.
“Pahinumdom kini nato, daghan kaayo ta, bisan asa ang Sto. Nino, hinaot unta nga kining kadaghan nato, pagpadayag kini sa tinud-anay nga pagtuo ug paghigugma sa Ginoo. Ang mga milagro, mga katingalahang nga atong nasinati bunga sa atong pagtuo.”
This year’s Traslación is historic as it is held on the 8th Day of the Novenario instead of the usual 9th Day. The images will stay in Mandaue City for one full night, giving more devotees time for prayer and reflection.
The Shrine will remain open to the public until 3:00 AM tomorrow, January 16. A Farewell Mass will be celebrated at 4:00 AM., after which the Traslación to Lapu-Lapu City will commence at 6:00 AM.