Basilica del Santo Niño prepares for 3 big events

The Augustinian friars of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu are now starting the preparations for the celebration of three big events: the 450th year of the Kaplag or the Finding of the Image of Santo Niño (April 28, 1565), the 450 years of presence of the Augustinians in the Philippines (1565-2015) and the 50th anniversary of the Santo Niño Church as Basilica Minore (1965-2015).

Augustinian historian Fr. Arnel Dizon, OSA, said that the celebrations of these great events, especially the first two which started the formal evangelization of the Philippines four and a half centuries ago, are “meant to honor the memories of the past, celebrate the continued presence, and encourage the forthcoming endeavours of the Augustinians in the Philippines and beyond. Overall, the 2015 festivity aims to renew our commitment to re-evangelization through the authentic witnessing of our faith. A vibrant Church like the Philippines, it aspires to be more active in the universal mission to re-evangelize the world. It is likewise an opportunity to educate the young generations of our distinct historical past and identity.”

Initial preparations for the 2015 celebration have already started.

Part of these preparations is the logo design contest from which the official logo will be chosen to be used for this momentous celebration. Those interested are invited to join the contest, which is a joint project of the celebration’s Executive Committee and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

The top winners will receive P30,000 for first place, P20,000 for second place and P10,000 for third place.

The deadline for submission of entries will be on Nov. 29 and the judging will be on Dec. 9 and 10.

The submission forms and contest rules may be secured from the Basilica Rector’s office or from most of the school heads and parish priests in Metro Cebu.

Forms may also be downloaded from website www.basilicasantonino.org.ph.

For further inquiries, contact the Secretariat of the Basilica Rector’s office at 2556697 local 400.