Santo Niño at 41: Thanksgiving Mass and Celebration

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The Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de Cebu marked the 41st anniversary of its canonical establishment with a celebration of a Thanksgiving Mass and Dinner held at the Santo Niño Pilgrim Center in Cebu City, on December 25, 2024, the Solemnity of the Birth of our Lord.

The anniversary commenced with a solemn Mass presided over by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, the Prior Provincial, and concelebrated by various representatives of the 22 communities and residences of the Province. In his homily, he reminded the friars to be torchbearers for others and of the Province in the years to come, following the example of Jesus who was born to become the True Light of the world.

Following the Mass, a Thanksgiving Dinner was held, during which Rev. Fr. Danilo Carido, OSA, one of the Provincial Councilors, delivered a warm welcome on behalf of the Chairman of OSANiño@40. He also expressed gratitude to the founding members of the Province for their dedication and service.

Right after dinner, the Prior Provincial gave his Christmas message focusing on the Jubilee Year of Hope and urging those present to “strengthen [the] bonds of being a community, by fostering love, respect and mutual support among brothers and sisters and among different communities.”

The event concluded with the Prayer of the Augustinian Province of Santo Niño @40, followed by the singing of the Hymn of the Province.

The 41st anniversary celebration was not just a reflection on the Province’s past but also a renewed commitment to the future, as it seeks to “enlarge her tent,” reaching out to offer God’s hospitality to all.