The devotion to Santo Nino is one of the oldest and most beloved religious traditions.
Just over 500 years ago the original was given as a gift by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana of Cebu on the occasion of her baptism as a Catholic. The statue has been lost and then miraculously found and has survived wars, fires, and bombings. As it dates back to the start of Christianity in the Philippines, this image has become a powerful symbol of faith, and resilience for the Filipino community. Devotees honor the Santo Niño as a source of protection, blessings, and miracles, especially for children and families.
SANTO NIÑO DEVOTION IN IRELAND
Beginning of Santo Niño Devotion in Ireland. The Santo Niño devotion in Ireland started on January 2000 by Fr. Patrick Keenan, OCD (RIP)* in St. Joseph’s Church, Berkeley Road, Dublin 7. There were only very few Filipinos in Ireland during that time. Most of the Filipinos were employees of different embassies in Donnybrook.
Santo Niño Ireland. As the number of Filipinos working in Ireland started to increase, Marlou Patindol formed the Santo Niño Ireland whose aim is to continue the tradition and practices of Santo Niño devotion in Ireland and to strengthen the faith of devotees to Santo Niño. It also aims to propagate the Santo Niño devotion not only to the Filipinos in Ireland but also to other nationalities. Santo Niño Ireland supports the needs of St. Joseph Parish and is mindful of the needs of different Filipino and Irish communities in Ireland and abroad. Monetary and in-kind donations were made in numerous occasions. As the need arises, Santo Ireland offers support of any kind to assist different Filipino groups in achieving their objectives.
It is also committed to support the young ones on their spiritual, social, physical, and emotional development. It is on this regard that the Youth Summer Outreach Programme was created on the summer of 2017. Different workshops, training programs and seminars were given to our young ones by competent resource persons. Admission and food were free of charge. To date, the Programme gathered a total of 339 attendees and has offered a total of 12 different sessions.
The Santo Niño Statue. The statue was brought to Ireland on 2014. This was commissioned by an Augustinian Friar (Fr Jose Siedel Jr) based in the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Cebu, Philippines. The statue is an exact replica of the original image and was made by the Basilica’s official wood carver (Juanito Zafra) to be brought to Ireland.
Santo Niño Shrine. The shrine of Santo Niño in St. Joseph’s Church, Berkeley Road was constructed in 2014. Filipinos all over Ireland raised funds for its completion. A special Enthronement Ceremony was done on January 2017.
Cofradia del Santo Niño de Cebu. Santo Niño Ireland has become an official Chapter of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño Cebu on March 2024. A special ceremony was held in St. Joseph’s Church, Berkeley Road conducted by a representative from the Basilica Minore, Fr. Basilio Sungataon.
On-going Devotion. Every First Friday of the Month There is an Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, Perpetual Novena to Santo Niño and Mass at 5:10 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Church. Different social, civic, and religious Filipino groups take part on this First Friday of the Month devotion.
Feast Day. The Feast of Santo Niño is every third Sunday of January. There will be novena and mass for 9 days leading to the Feast Day. An outdoor procession “Walk with Mary” will be done on the 2nd day. The Blessing of Children will be done on the 9th day. On the Feast Day, there will be outdoor procession, Sinulog dances, and Feast Day Mass.
We constantly seek advice from the Carmelite Friars, from the Parish Priest (Fr. Paul Churchill, PP) and from Den Declan Barry of St. Joseph’s Church. We also consult the Augustinian Friars in the Basilica Minore, Cebu, Philippines. We gather inspiration from other Santo Niño groups and devotees all over the world.
*It was with great sadness that Fr. Patrick Keenan, OCD, died peacefully on September 17, 2022. We, Filipinos here in Ireland, are forever grateful to him for starting this devotion and for welcoming each Filipino who came to St. Joseph Church with a big smile and open arms. As long as there is a Filipino in Ireland, Fr Patrick’s legacy lives on.
There is also a special prayer which we are all encouraged to pray daily as part of this devotion:-
O miraculous Santo Niño!
We prostrate before Your sacred Image, we beseech You to cast a merciful look on our troubled hearts.
Let Your tender love, so inclined to pity, be softened at our prayers, and grant us that grace for which we ardently implore You.
(You may mention your particular intentions here)
Take from us all unbearable affliction and despair.
For your sacred infancy’s sake hear our prayers and send us consolation and aid that we may praise You, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.