Confradia del Sto. Niño 23^rd Annual Convention

The Cofradia del Sto. Niño 23 rd National/Annual Convention was held last April 20-22, 2007 at Tubod Flowing Water Resort, Minglanilla, Cebu . The theme of this year's convention is : “Sto. Niño de Cebu – Batobalani Sa Gugma: Living the Spirituality of the Devotion in the Year of Social Concerns.” The event started formally with a welcome Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, National Director, Cofradia del Sto. Niño, and Prior and Rector of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu, and co-presided by the Augustinian Fathers at the Pilgrim Center , Cebu City . Fr. Andrew welcomed a total of 189 delegates coming from Cofradia chapters all over the country and even one delegate from the United States . In his homily, he challenged the delegates to live out the theme of the convention.

In the evening of the same day, an acquaintance party was held and there was a presentation of delegates of each chapter.

Morning prayer started the second day of the event, April 21. It was followed by a Eucharistic Celebration with Fr. Agustin “Boy” Ty, OSA, Chair of the Laity on Augustinian Communities and at the same time the Spiritual Director of Mohon Chapter, Talisay City , as presider and Augustinian Fathers as co-presiders.

There were three significant talks delivered on the same day. Mrs. Astrid Sala-Boza, Ph. D. gave the first talk with a topic: “Mysticism of the Devotion to the Sto. Niño.” The speaker presented the historical development and theories about the devotion. Moreover, she narrated some miraculous stories of the devotees. Some of the delegates shared also their miracle stories with their co-delegates.

Rev. Fr. Ramon C. Ofredo, SPFY Director of the Archdiocese of Cebu was the 2 nd speaker. His topic: “Folk Religiosity and Devotion to Sto. Niño.” The speaker traced the historical development of the religious beliefs and tradition of our ancestors before the Spanish introduced the Catholic religion. Their religious beliefs were dominantly animistic, where they believed that there are gods and goddesses controlling the nature. Because of this, the Spaniards did not encounter much resistance when they introduced the Catholic beliefs and tradition such as devotion to images, including the devotion to Sto. Niño.

Rev. Fr. Nelson G. Zerda, OSA, Chair of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Province and at the same time Provincial Councilor and Treasurer, was the third speaker of the day. His topic: “The Concern for the Little Ones.” He underscored the massive poverty of our country. He said that the church of the New Testament was the church of the poor. Moreover, he emphasized that the church's evangelization does not only concern with the spiritual needs but material needs as well. Evangelization has to be holistic and integral.

In this regard, he showed a documentary film about Pondong Pinoy – a program of the Archdiocese of Manila spearheaded by no less than Cardinal Rosales. Cardinal Rosales encouraged the faithful to donate a small amount, 25 centavos, for programs to alleviate the plight of the poor. The speaker also said that the issue of justice and peace does not only concern poverty but environmental protection as well. He showed a Power point presentation of the of the speech delivered by Fr. Tito Soquiño, OSA during this year's Siete Palabras . The speaker urged all, as stewards of creation, to be vigilant in protecting our environment.

The evening was full of fun and surprises. The contestants of the Search for Matron tickled the audience with their talents. Then the delegates from different chapters showcased their talents as well. The lively emceeing of Reverend Leo Mario Singco, OSA added the color of the program.

On the morning of the third day, Fr. Jerome P. Mesina, OSA presided the Holy Mass at Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño. He congratulated the delegates for the success of the convention. After the Holy Mass, a lunch was served at the Aula Magna, Pilgrim Center . The event was concluded with the giving of the certificates to participating chapters.

This year's host is the Mother Chapter based at Basilica Minore. The next year's host will be the Guadalupe Chapter.