By Social Communications Ministry

Published on January 19, 2025

TANAY, RIZAL – The San Ildefonso de Toledo Parish in Tanay, Rizal, is celebrating the Feast of Sto. Niño with a special blessing ceremony for children, following the holy mass on January 19.

The event, which is part of the nationwide observance of the Feast of Sto. Niño, is expected to draw many families to the church to honor the beloved Child Jesus.

The Feast of Sto. Niño holds a special place in Filipino Catholic devotion, with the image of the Sto. Niño representing purity, innocence, and divine protection. Filipinos revere the Sto. Niño not only as a symbol of Christ’s childhood but also as a powerful intercessor for children, making the blessing of young ones a significant part of the celebration. The practice of blessing children on this day is believed to invite the protection and guidance of the Holy Child Jesus, ensuring their safety and spiritual well-being as they grow.

Immediately after the Holy Mass, children will be brought to the altar for the special blessing. According to Fr. [Name], parish priest of San Ildefonso de Toledo, the blessing is a way for parents to seek divine protection for their children and to ask the Sto. Niño for continued guidance in their upbringing. “For Filipinos, the Sto. Niño is not just a religious symbol, but a source of hope and grace, especially for families with young children,” Fr. [Name] said. “Through the blessing, we pray for their future, health, and spiritual growth.”

The Feast of Sto. Niño is celebrated with great devotion across the Philippines, from the grand Sinulog festival in Cebu to smaller parish celebrations like the one in Tanay. It is a time when communities come together to reflect on the significance of the Sto. Niño in Filipino life—both as a symbol of the Catholic faith and as a cherished cultural tradition.

Parishioners are encouraged to attend the Holy Mass and bring their children for the blessing, as it serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing young minds in the faith.