One of the well-known religious celebrations in the Philippines, and one of the grandest annual festivals in Cebu, is the Sinulog.

Sinulog commemorates the arrival of the Spaniards led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 when he planted a cross on the shores of Cebu and presented a statue of the Child Jesus (Sto Nino) to Hara Amihan, wife of Rajah Humabon, Cebu’s chieftain, and which marked the conversion of the natives to Roman Catholicism.

Sinulog is celebrated in many countries outside the Philippines including Australia. In New South Wales alone, three celebrations were held on Sunday, January 15 – at Campbelltown in the southwest area, Pumpton in Blacktown area, and Wyoming in Central Coast.

My 92-year old mother and I braved the rainy drive through F3 to attend the Wyoming celebration. We joined more than 500 Sto Nino devotees at the Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary in Wyoming. The occasion had an added significance as it was also to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Sinulog in Central Coast.

The event started at nearly 12 noon with a procession of members of the congregation who placed their Sto Nino statues at the altar. The mass was celebrated by Fr Renato Paras, as special guest priest, and Fr Andrew Matubusi of the OLOR Wyoming Parish. In keeping with Sto Nino’s love for the children, the readings and the prayers of the faithful were read by several children. Fr Matubusi read the gospel and the homily delivered by Fr Paras. The mass was conducted in English as there were several non-Filipinos who attended the special occasion.

The main message of Fr Paras centred on ‘love’ being the centre of our relationship with God, our fellowmen and ourselves. He also highlighted that as Sto Nino welcomes and loves the children, it is important to ensure that the they are spiritually nurtured. He also reminded the children that they need to respect and love back their parents and family members. Fr Paras’ good sense of humour was also very evident while delivering his message. Much to the congregation’s delight, he sang con gusto “people who need people, are the luckiest people in the world….”

Fr Paras, who hails from Cebu, initiated the celebration of Sinulog on 20 January 2002 in collaboration with the then Parish Priest Fr John Wakeling (now deceased).

A special blessing of the children who gathered around the altar and the Sto Nino statues was also ministered by Fr. Paras before the final blessing of the congregation. A procession of the statues followed through the parish school’s quadrangle. By this time, the sun was shining brightly.

Typical of a Filipino fiesta, there was the traditional lechon, a great variety of Filipino dishes and desserts shared by everyone during lunch. Everyone was also treated with an enjoyable program of entertainment, the highlight of which was the Sinulog dance.

Congratulations to all who were involved in organising the event. Thanks to Emily Rudd for the invitation to the celebration. My mother and I certainly had a blessed and enjoyable day.

We hope to celebrate another Sinulog next year.

Pit Senor!! God’s blessings to all.

Photos by Violi Calvert

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• A Call Centre Encounter of a Different Kind - April 20th, 2012
• 'Kapihan' Froths Over - March 1st, 2012
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• Charity CD 'One' for Washi Victims - February 9th, 2012