Barcelona 05 December 2021 – The historic presentation ceremony of the Santo Niño de Cebu at the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia was followed by an equally historic and memorable welcome ceremony at the San Agustin Church in the afternoon of 05 December 2021.  The welcome ceremony was initiated by Barcelona PCG Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro to allow more members of the Filipino community to show their devotion to the Santo Niño. 

In line with this year’s Quincentennial Commemorations, the Santo Niño de Cebu was brought to San Agustin Church, which is where most members of the Filipino community in Barcelona hear mass.  

The Apostolic Nuncio to Spain, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, who hails from Bohol, was the main celebrant for the mass with Monsignor Bernardo Pantin (CBCP Secretary-General),  Father Francis Guzman (parish priest of San Agustin Church for the Filipino community) and other Filipino priests concelebrating. In the Nuncio’s homily, he encouraged everyone to continue their devotion to the Santo Niño.  Our Savior became a Niño to us so that Filipinos will be drawn closer to their faith in God. The eucharistic celebration was conducted mostly in Pilipino.

A mini-Sinulog presentation was performed by the Filipino community in Barcelona making the ceremony festive, true to the fiesta atmosphere of Santo Niño celebrations in Cebu.

Ambassador Philippe Lhuillier in his closing message expressed his appreciation to Father Francis Guzman for welcoming the Santo Nino in the San Agustin Church. Ambassador Lhuillier intimated that it is a great honor and privilege for him to have been  part of the welcome ceremony where the Santo Niño de Cebu has symbolically returned to its origins.

The welcome ceremony was covered by Radio Television Malacanang.  The video coverage has already been viewed 35,000 times since it was put up in the RTVM FB Page on 06 December 2021. END

Apostolic Nuncio to Spain and Andorra Archbishop Bernardito Auza receiving the offertory gifts

Members of the Filipino community performing the Sinulog

Members of the Filipino community who attended the welcome ceremony