Sto Nino Church/Magellan’s Cross
Christianity in our country started when Magellan landed in Cebu and the priest with him baptised Rajah Humabon, his wife, and the natives. When Magellan came to Cebu (then known as “Sugbu”), he planted a cross, which is now known as “Magellan’s Cross” and is 485 years old. The Magellan Expedition paved the way to the Christianization of the Philippines, and eventually, of the Far East. At present, 85 percent of Filipinos are Christian (mostly Catholic), ten percent are Muslim, and five percent belong to other religions.
The Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño lies just a few blocks from Magellan’s Cross. So if you go to Sto. Niño by jeep, taxi, or tour bus, they always drop you near Magellan’s Cross. Although it is just a small chapel that houses the cross, it is considered hallowed ground and is very significant to the Cebuanos. The place is visited by tourists daily.
You can see many vendors along Magellan’s Cross and the Sto. Niño Church. Usually they will sell just about anything like candles, trinkets, and food, but you can always say no if you don’t like to buy. But you can also buy candles and allow the vendor to pray and dance in front of the Sto. Niño church. Usually, the prayer petition is for good health, present success, and future prosperity. Afterwards, they go to the Sto. Niño Church to pay homage.
A little bit of history. The church was built in 1566 on the same spot where the priest found the Sto. Niño (little Jesus) still preserved inside a burned wooden box. Many believe it is the main reason why the Sto. Nino de Cebu has black complexion. The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Sto. Niño every third week of January. This is the time when pilgrims and tourists flock the streets of Cebu en route to the Basilica to praise the Little Jesus for His many miracles.
Some related sites for added information:
- http://www.santoninodecebu.org – an organization all about Sto. Niño de Cebu.
- http://philippinetravelnotes.blogspot.com/2005/01/magellan-sto-nio-candle-story.html – a travel blog that talks of the different parts of the Philippines including Cebu.
- http://living.cebunetwork.com/cebus-historical-basilica-minore-del-sto-nino/2006/07/08/#more-18 – this website chronicles the lifestyles of Cebuanos.
Pictures of Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.:
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