The Gift at Cebu

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord Jesus, Santo Niño, eternal Son of the Father who became a little child for our salvation, draw me close during this novena. Receive the intention I carry and teach me the humble trust of your Kingdom. Renew the grace of my baptism, bless the people of the Philippines who have cherished your holy image, and make my life a joyful witness to your love. Amen.

Let us pause in silence, and bring to mind the intention you are praying for.

In the app, your own saved intention rests here during the silence. The narration stays the same for everyone.

They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

In 1521, amid a complex colonial encounter, an image of the Child Jesus was presented to Queen Juana of Cebu at her baptism. An image traditionally held to be the same was found in Cebu in 1565. It became the heart of a devotion Filipino Catholics carried and made distinctly their own.

Santo Niño, you accepted the gifts of the nations and made your home among the people of Cebu. Purify every memory wounded by domination, and preserve what is truthful, holy, and life-giving in each culture. Teach me to honor the faith of communities not my own and to offer my history to your redeeming love. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Santo Niño, Holy Child Jesus, you are the Word made flesh and the King whose greatness appears in humility. Look with mercy upon the intention I have placed before you. Keep me faithful to my baptism, tender toward children and vulnerable people, and ready to serve without seeking status. Bless Cebu, the Philippines, and Filipino communities throughout the world, and lead all nations into the peace of your Kingdom. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.