Basilica del Santo Niño

Just a short distance from the Heritage of Cebu Monument is the Basilica del Santo Niño (formerly known as the San Agustin Church.

What makes this church special you ask? First a short history:

The church houses the image of Santo Niño. It’s currently considered to be the oldest religious relic that can be found in the Philippines. It was supposedly found in the exact same spot where the church was built. On the 14th of April of the year 1521, the Sto. Niño image was given to Queen Juana by Magellan as a gift during the baptism of King Humabon and Queen Juana.

Entering, you can’t help but be amazed by the beauty of this church. Looking up, you would see the beautifully painted ceilings.

Stepping to the sides of the church, you get to see different images and statues:

As the Basilica can be easily filled to capacity by devotess, the Pilgrim Center was created outside the Basilica to accomodate more devotees and visitors during the Friday Novena mass and other festivities.

When we arrived to the Basilica, the place was packed and you could easily get lost in the crowd. When the mass was finished, you will see most people wave their hands as if to say goodbye to the Santo Niño image and the place. What an awesome sight that was. You couldn’t help but wave your own hand as well.

There’s also a place where you can light candles. I lighted a few myself as well and offered a prayer. You would see people light the candle and put their palm near the candle as if you are feeling the heat of the candle.

What can I say? It was a very spiritual experience visiting the Basilica. You can’t help but be in awe of the place especially if this is your first time going here. Surely I will visit the Basilica everytime I go to Cebu.