Feast of Santo Niño celebrated at St George’s Cathedral
Archbishop John Wilson celebrated Mass for the Filipino community on the Feast of Sto. Niño
The Filipino community in the Archdiocese of Southwark and beyond were warmly welcomed at St George’s Cathedral by Archbishop John for the Feast of Sto. Niño. Philippine Ambassador to the UK Teodoro Locsin also attended the Mass.
The Catholic Church in the Philippines celebrates the Child Jesus as King and Saviour on the third Sunday of January every year.
At the Mass, Archbishop John said the feast is “a celebration of faith, a beautiful Catholic faith in the Lord Jesus”.
He said it is also a “beautiful celebration of your country, your wonderful nation, and your culture - and it’s a celebration and thanksgiving for the gift you are to this country. So thank you for making a home here and for making such an incredible, wonderful contribution to the life of this country”. The Archbishop added that he hopes the Filipino people knew how much they are loved.
In his homily, Archbishop John said the beautiful and colour procession and tangible devotion of the day demonstrates the “the tangible love for your faith, for our Lord”.
The image of the Holy Child, Archbishop John said, “clothed in royal robes, wearing a crown, holding the world in his hand” presents a “beautiful paradox”. We “worship a God who is Almighty and yet chose to become small. A King of kings and Lord of Lords who entered our history with the vulnerability of a child”.
The Holy Child Jesus, Sto Niño, is calling us with “his arms out to welcome you”, he said. “So come to him with the heart of a child, a heart of trust and dependence love”.
You can see photos from the beautiful Mass here.
