No. 0 6 3 . s. 2015 - DepEd Region 7

KEPUBLEKA NG PELEPINAS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
KAGAWARAN NG EDUKASYON
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
REfflYON VII, GITNANG VISAYAS
REGION VH, CENTRAL VISAYAS
Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City
DriED
DEPARTMENT 1 OF EDUCATION
February^, 2015
REGIONAL MEMORANDUM
No.
063
. s. 2015
nfb
450™
ANNIVERSARYOF THE FINDING OF THE IMAGE OF THE SANTO NINO
To : Schools Division / City Superintendents
Offieers-in-Charge of Regular & Interim Division
1.
Attached is an invitation letter from REV. FR. HAROLD LI. RENTORIA, QSA,
Executive Director, Saint Augustine Province of Santo Nino de Cebu -Philippines requesting for
the dissemination of the attached brochures (invitations) ,as well as the registration form for the
Kaplag 2015 International Conference on April 25-28, 2015 in Cebu City with three interrelated
themes " The Christianization of and the Augustinian presence in the Philippines , and the
Augustinian legacy to the Filipino people."
2.
The Schools Division Superintendents are given the discretion to act on this request
and ensure that DepEd Policies and Guidelines are followed.
3.
For details, refer to the attached communication.
Wide dissemination of this Memorandum is desired.
A.
JUMET A. JERUTA
Schools Division Superintendent
Officer -In-Charge
Office of the Regional Director
CTD/lcj /sba
CLMD'15
Regional Director's Office: Tel. nos.: (032) 231-1433; 231-1309; Telefex 414-7399; 414-7325; Asst. Regional Director's Office Telefex: (032) 255-4542;
Field Effectiveness Division: (032) 414-7324; Curriculum Learning Materials Division (032) 414-7323;
Quality Assurance and Accountability Division: (032) 231-1071; Resource Mobilization and Special Programs and Projects Division: (032) 254-7062;
Training and Development Division: (032) 255-5239 loc. 112; Planning, Policy and Research Division: (032) 233-9030; 414-7065;
Administrative Division: (032) 414-7326; 255-1313; 414-7366 414-4367; Budget and Finance Division: (032) 256-2375; 253-8061; 414-7321
Website: http:-H-www.depedro7.com.ph
" £ff& 2015: SKanapataa ng. £a&at, Pananagutan ng. £ahai "
450™ ANNIVERSARY OF THE FINDING OF THE IMAGE OF THE SANTO NINO DE CEBU (1565-2015)
450 YEARS OF PRESENCE OF THE AUGUSTINIANS IN THE PHILIPPINES (1565-2015)
50™ ANNIVERSARY OF THE SANTO NINO CHURCH AS BASILICA MINORE (1965-2015)
31 October 2014, ceou Lity
HON. ALBERTO T. MUYOT
COMMISSIONER (Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs,
Department of Education)
Undersecretary, Department of Tourism
Dear Sir,
FR. EUSEBIO B. BERDON, O.S.A.
Cftair
FR. HAROLD L, RENTOR1A, O.SA
Vm-ehair/Excaitive Director
ATTy. PAULINO YABAO
Secretary
HON. MARIA SERENA I. DIOKNO
Peace be with you!
The Augustinian Province of Santo Nino de Cebu - Philippines will celebrate
three significant events in 2015 - namely, the 450th anniversary of the
Augustinian presence in the Philippines and of the discovery ("kaplag") of the
image of the Child Jesus in Cebuj(i565-20l5), plus the soth anniversary^ the
elevation of the church that houses the said miraculous icon to the rank of a
"minor basilica" (1965-2015).
Chair
National Historical Commission
of ifac Philippines
HON.FBUPEM.DEIEON.IR.
Chair
National Commission
for Culture and the Arts
HON,HlLARIODAVIPEin
Ceba Pravinc/aJ Governor
HON. MICHAEL I. RAMA
Cebu City Mayor
A series of events have been organized on the occasion of the said three-fold
celebration, one of which is the holding of an international conference on
April 25-28, 2015 in Cebu City on three interrelated themes - to wit, the
Christianization of and the Augustinian presence in the Philippines, and the
Augustinian legacy to the Filipino people.
Scholars of both international and local renown have been invited to deliver
talks on the themes indicated previously. You may check the attached
brochures, which also serve as invitations, for more details about this.
FR, JONAS M. MEJARES, O.SA
FR. ANDREW P, BATAYOU, O.S.A.
FR. ARNEL ANTONIO S. DIZON, O.SA.
FR, CZAR EMMANUEL V. ALVAREZ, O.S.A.
FR. RODOLFO A. BUGNA, O.S.A.
FR, RICHARD I. P1DO, O.S.A,
FR. WILLIAM ARANA, O.S.A.
The undersigned is sending you some brochures (invitations) in the hope that
you would help us disseminate information about the above-mentioned
international conference and encourage not only the members of your
different communities but also people you know and who might be
interested to take part in the said event. Also, herein are some of the
promotional materials (primer, brochures of the activities, and posters) of the
45oKaplag celebrations that might be posted and disseminated within your
parish and in your community.
FR,ASI5BA)AO,0.$.A.
FR. MILAN TED TORRAL8A
ATTV. GERALD1NE JORDA
__
considerably on the generous help and contribution of its members and
friends. Thus, we are looking forward to any help you may want to extend to
us in this regard. May the Senor Santo Nino persevere us in his love.
May God bless us all!
In Saint Augustine,
450KAPLAG OFFICE, MULTI-PURPOSE HAH
BASILICA MINORE DEL SANTO NiSO DE CEBU
OSMESA BOULEVARD
CEBU CITY
6000 CEBU
PHILIPPINES
TELEPHONE: (032)255-6698 LOCAL 400
TELEFAX: (032) 254-0934
www.45okaplag.com
REV. F&, HAROLD LI. RENTORIA, OSA
Executive Director
Noted by:
VERY REV. FR. EUSEBIO B. BERDON, O.S.A.
^Chairman & Prior Provinciai of the Order of Saint Augustine
Province of Santo Nino de Cebu - Philippines
2015
450™ ANNIVERSARY OF THE FINDING OF THE IMAGE OF THE SANTO NINO DE CEBU
450 YEARS OF PRESENCE OF THE AUGUSTINiANS IN THE PHILIPPINES
50™ ANNIVERSARY OF THE SANTO NJftO CHURCH AS BASILICA MJNORE
27 November 2014
AN INVITATION LETTER
KAPLAG
EXECUTOR COMMITTEE
, EUSEB10B. BI800N, O.S.A.
Chair
The Augustinians of the Province of Santo Nino de Cebu - Philippines will be
celebrating three events of both historical and religious significance in the
year 2015 - namely, the 450th anniversary of their presence in the Philippines
and of the discovery ("kaplag" in Cebuano) of the miraculous image of the
Child Jesus in Cebu (1565-2015), and the 50th anniversary of the elevation of
the church where the said religious icon - the actual Santo Nino de Cebu
Church - is venerated to the rank of a "basilica minore" (1965-2015).
. HAROID I.roWTORlA,O.S.A.
PAULINO YARW
Secrefaiy/Scenstariaj Dircrtar
MEMBERS
HON, MARIA SERENA 1. DTOKNO
CJwfr
PiMioiat Hhtont
Chair
National ConnntesSnn
forCutaft andthf Art?
HW.
HON. MiCHAEli. KAMA
HL JQNASM. ME|ARE»tG.S.A,
m. AffiBL AfrfTOMO S. DIZON, OS A
F8. CZAR EMMANUEl V, A1VA8£2, O&A,
F8. ROnOirO A, BUGMA, O.SA
JThe ^afojce-oaejatiojiejcLjeMejnts_^ce_sjgniflcaat .noLjonJv-fQr the-J^ugustinian
religious Order and to the devotees of the Santo Nino de Cebu (or of other
images of the Child Jesus all over the Philippines), but also for the Filipinos at
large. Faith is one of the distinguishing characteristics of our culture and it
makes our country the only Catholic nation in Asia - a true beacon of faith in
this part of the globe! It is one legacy that the early Augustinian missionaries
have bequeathed us when they came to our shores almost 500 years ago.
The history of the Philippines from the time the Portuguese navigator
Ferdinand Magellan and his armada came in 1521 is quite well-known to us.
Their mission was both political and religious (usually and symbolically
represented by the sword and the cross). Their stay at that time notwithstanding its brevity - sowed the seeds of the Christian faith amongst
our forebears. It had witnessed the conversion of the local chieftain of Cebu Rajah Humabon - along with his consort and a number of his subjects. That
promising beginning, however, was frustrated when animosity ensued
between Magellan and the local chieftain of nearby Mactan - Lapu-Lapu leading to the former's demise. The rest of the fleet had to flee to save their
lives.
FR, RICH AW> k FIDO, G.SA
FR, WJU1AM ARANA, 0.S.A.
F8, GLTO THERESE CUANZON
FR, MIUW TEOTORRAtBA
There were other attempts to colonize our land between 1521 and 1565.
Thus, we recall the expeditions of Fray Garcia Jofre de Loaysa, Sebastian del
Cand, 'ATvaro de Saavedra, and Gen. Ruy Lopez de Villalobos. For the
Augustinians, however, the year 1565 is particularly important since it marked
the coming of the first Augustinian missionaries to the Philippines and the
start of a systematic and uninterrupted evangelization of our people. There
were only five daring friars in mission at that time - namely, Andres Urdaneta,
Diego de Herrera, Andres de Aguirre, Pedro de Gamboa, and Martin de Rada.
Indeed they were small in number, but immeasurably significant was the
legacy they left behind.
The foecat rw Committee
SECTOR'S OFflCE
BAS1UCA MINORE DEI SANTO M&0 BE CEBO
QSME8ABWJIEVA8D
CEBUCTft
tow CEBU
PHIUPPJNES
TRMPHONE; 0322^-66991.0CAJ. 4OO
FA* {032} 254-0934
When the conquistadores returned to our country 44 years after they had left
when their leader was slain by Lapu-Lapu, one prodigious event happened:
the discovery ("kaplag") of an image of the Child Jesus by one of Miguel Lopez
de Legazpi's soldiers (named Juan de Camus). The said image was believed by
historians to be the same religious icon given by Ferdinand Magellan to
Cebu's local queen Juana during her conversion and baptism in 1521 and the
same image venerated at the actual Basilica Minore del Santo Nino in Cebu
City.
2015
45Q™ ANNIVERSARY OF THE FINDING OF THE IMAGE OF THE SANTO NINO DE CEBt
450 YEARS OF PRESENCE OF THE AUGLJSTINIANS IN THE PHILIPPINES
50™ ANNIVERSARY OF THE SANTO NINO CHURCH AS BASILICA MINORE
Next year 2015 we will commemorate the foregoing historical events with a
series of activities organized by the Augustinians for the occasion, one of
which is the holding of "Kaplag 2015 International Conference" at the
Radisson Blu Hotel along Serging Osmefia Blvd. cor. Juan Luna Ave., Cebu City
on April 25-28. A roster of both local and international experts will present
scholarly researches during the event, which will be open to everybody.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
m, EUSE81G 8. BEMON. OJSA
Chair
m, HAROLD i. REOTORIA,
ATTTPAUUMOYABAO
SetreMrjf/SmetarSat tKnttor
MEMBERS
HON. MARIA SSRENA I. DJOKSO
Chafe
Nation*} Hiswriol Commission
The said conference serves to heighten our awareness about the Christian
roots of our nation and the special place the Christian faith occupies in our
culture and identity as Filipinos. Focus will be on the Augustinian legacy,
particularly on the origin and propagation of the Santo Nino de Cebu devotion
in our country.
All those interested in the history of the Christianization of the Philippines and
the origin of the Filipino devotion to the Child Jesus as well as its impact on
various aspects of our culture are most warmly invited to participate in the
said international conference. For details, please contact the Kaplag Office at
the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino in Cebu City (tel. +63 [032] 2556698 local
400} or visit www.450kaplag.com.
Hoa Hurt M, DIMQNJR.
Cfcm'r
ISalteail Commission
for Culture and the Arts
Yours truly,
Cete Pmrintial Guremor
Cebudty Mayor
FR. JONAS M. MEf ARB, O,SJV.
FR. ARMi ANTONIO S. DJ20N, O5A
FR, CZAS EMMANUEL V. ALVAREZ, OS. A.
FR, RQDOiFO A. BUGNA, O&A.
FR, RICHARD I. ProO,aSA.
FJt WIUJAM ARA!«W, Q3A,
ra, GlEMNTHERESE GUANZON
The Executive Committee
9ASHJCA MWORE t)El SANTO NlSO OF, CE8U
OSMB^ABOUICTARO
PHHJPPiNB
IOCAJ. 400
1^(032) 254-9934
/. Fr. Czar Emmanuel V. Alvarez, OSA
Head Organizer
"Kaplag 2015 International Conference"
KAPLAG 2015 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Serging Osmena Blvd. cor. Juan Luna Ave.,
Cebu City 6000, Philippines
Dates: 25-28 April 2015 (Saturday-Tuesday)
REGISTRATION FORM
Family Name:.
First Name(s):
Residence (City and Country):
Contact number(s):
Signature:
*Kindly tic one of the boxes below to indicate your choice:
n
OPTION ONE
Inclusive of the following:
• Six-day/five-night hotel accommodation (24-29 April 2015)
• Daily participation in the conferences
» Meals (breakfast, lunch, supper) for four days (25-28 April 2015)
• Participation in religious and cultural events on 27 April 2015
TOTAL COST: Php 25,800 f US$ 600 or € 445)
(30% of which is Php 7,740 or US$ 180 or € 133.50}
D
OPTION TWO
Inclusive only of the following:
• Daily participation in the conferences
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, supper) for four days (25-28 April 2015)
• Participation in religious and cultural events on 27 April 2015
TOTAL COST: Php 8,750 (US$ 203 or € 151)
(30% of which is Php 2,625 or US$ 60.90 or € 45.3)
p
OPTION THREE
Inclusive only of the following:
• Daily participation in the conferences
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, supper) for four days (25-28 April 2015)
TOTAL COST: Php 5,750 (US$ 134 or € 99)
(30% of which is Php 1,725 or US$ 40.20 or € 29.70)
MODE OF PAYMENT:
30.%- of the above
indicated Total Cost for each Option to the following bank account:
BPI Savings account number 1013-4957-73
(Account name: PHILIPPINE AUGUSTINIANS, INC.-45GYRS)
The remaining balance shall be paid on Day One of the Conference proper. A scanned copy of the filled out
Registration Form and of the Deposit slip must be sent to the 450Kaplag official email address not later than
31 January 2015: [email protected]
For any inquiries, please refer to the official website of the Kaplag International Conference:
www.450kaplag.com or call the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu at +63 (032) 2556699 (local 200).
Thank you.
©International Conference Registration Form No.
nnnruq
Uv,-^v t-j
REPUBLIKA NG PIl/PINAS
REPUBLIC OF THE~PfflLIPPINES
KAGAWARAN NG EDUKASYON
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
DepEd Complex, Meralco Ave., Pasig City
Direct Line: (632) 633-72-59
Telefax:
(632) 633-72-05
E-mail: [email protected]
_Web_sjte:_httg://vvww.deeed.goy.gh_
Tanggapan ng Pangalawang Kalihim
Office of the Undersecretary
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
RECORDS DIVISION
1st Indorsement
07 January 2014
Re&pectfully referred to DR. CARMELITA T. DULANGON, Officer-in-Charge,
Regional Director, DepEd Region VII, Lahug, Cebu City, for appropriate action on
the herein letter of REV. FR. HAROLD LI. RENTORIA, OSA, Executive Director,
Saint Augustine Province of Santo Nino de Cebu-Philippines, requesting for the
dissemination of the attached brochures (invitations) for the international
conference on April 25-28, 2015 in Cebu City with three interrelated themes "The
Christianization of and the Augustinian presence in the Philippines, and the
Augustinian legacy to the Filipino people."
Kindly disseminate the attached brochures and other promotional materials
to the regional office and division offices within your area.
ATTY. ALBERTO T. MUYOT
Undersecretary
Copy furnished:
Rev. Fr. Harold LI. Rentoria, OSA
Executive Director
Saint Augustine Province of Santo Nino de Cebu-Philippines
450 KAPLAG Office, Multi-purpose Hall
Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino De Cebu
Osmena Boulevard, Cebu City
594
Accommodation and Participation
Fee:
OPTION ONE
Kama 2015
inclusive of:
six-day/five-night hotel accommodation
daily participation in the conferences
• meals 3x a day for four days
visit to Bohol
Php 25,800 (or US$ 600 or € 445)
OMM0NFEIMCI
OPTION TWO
inclusive of:
daily participation in the conferences
meals 3x a day for four days
Kaplag Procession & Reenactment
Php 8,750 (or US$ 203 or € 151)
OPTION THREE
inclusive of:
daily participation in the conferences
meals for four days
Php 5,750 (or US$134 or €99)
N.B. Travel expenses to and from Cebu City/the
hotel are not included in the above-indicated fee.
Meals outside April 25-28, 2015 are also excluded.
Participants coming from outside the Philippines
are advised to book a direct flight to Cebu City.
Interested parties who would choose OPTION
ONE are requested to deposit their full
Accommodation and Participation Fee (APF)
until the end of February 2015 through the
following bank account: BPI Savings account
number 1013-4957-73 (Account name:
PHILIPPINE AUGUSTINIANS, INC.-450YRS)
Once the payment has been made, kindly send
a scanned copy of the deposit slip to the
email address of Fr. Czar Emmanuel Alvarez,
OSA, on the next flap. Only then will the
interested parties' participation in the event be
formally confirmed. Thank you.
REV. FR. HAROLD RENTORIA, OSA
through the
Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu
Tel. (032) 255-6698 loc. 400
email: [email protected]
Fax (032) 254-0934
RADISSON BLU HOTEL CEBU
Serging Osmena Boulevard
corner Juan Luna Avenue,
Cebu City 6000, Cebu, Philippines
REV. FR. CZAR EMMANUEL ALVAREZ, OSA
through the Theology Department
University of San Agustin - Iloilo
Tel. (0063) 33 33748 41 to 44 loc. 239 or 157
email: [email protected]
Fax (0063) 33 3374403
THIMI!
SANTO NlflO
HOPE OF
THE PEOPLE
Official website of the Kaplag
International Conference 2015:
www.450kaplag.com
OF THE FINDING OF THE IMAGE OF THE SANTO NlfiO (
OF THE PRESENCE OF THE AUGUSTINIANS IN THE PHILIPPINES (1565-2015)
58* TfE*R OF THf 8AOTO MRO CHURCH AS BASILICA WHORE {««M«S}
The Augustinian Province of Santo
Nino de Cebu - Philippines will celebrate
three significant events in the year
2015 - namely, the 450th anniversary
of the Augustinian presence in the
Philippines and of the finding ("kaplag")
of the miraculous image of the Child
Jesus in Cebu (1565-2015), as well as
the 50th anniversary of the elevation of
the church that houses the said image
to the rank of a "minor basilica" (19652015). In line with this, an international
conference will be held in Cebu City on
April 25-28, 2015 that will focus on the
following themes: the Christianization
of and the Augustinian presence in the
Philippines, the history of the Augustinian
Order, and the Augustinian legacy to
the Filipino people.
2. FR. JESUS ALVAREZ, OSA
Topic: "Historical Background on the Early
Augustinian Missions in the Philippines"
Visit to Bohol - one of the most enchanting
islands of the Philippines, rich in both
natural beauty, traditions and history,
famous worldwide (among other things) for
its Chocolate Hills, the tarsier primate, old
colonial churches, and white sand beaches.
3, FR. LUIS MARIN DE SAN MARTIN, OSA
Topic: "Historical Documents kept at the General
Curia of the Augustinian Order concerning the
Early Christianization of the Philippines"
DAY FOUR (28 April 2015, TuisUay)
DAY TWO
(26 April 2015, Sunday)
SPEAKERS:
SPEAKERS:
1. PROF. ASTRID SALA-BOZA
Topic: "The Sword and the Cross in Early
Augustinian Missions in the Philippines"
1. FR, EMILIO QUILATAN, OAR
Topic: "The Augustinian Order during the
Reformation Period"
2, FR. ARNEL ANTONIO DIZON, OSA
Topic: "Historical Background on the Finding
of the Image of the Santo Nino de Cebu"
2. SIS. MARIA LUZ MIJARES, OSA
Topic: "Feminine Presence of the Augustinians
in the Philippines"
Visit to the historical Basilica Minore del Santo
Nino de Cebu and Magellan's Cross, and
participation in the solemn celebration of
the Holy Mass on the occasion of the 450th
anniversary of the discovery ("kaplag") of the
miraculous image of the Santo Nino de Cebu.
3. FR. FERNANDO ROJO, OSA
Topic: "Augustinian Saints of the Orient and
the Philippines"
Cent 19 APRIL 2015 (SUNDAY)
5:00 AM
450KAPLAG RUN
-A three category run (3k, 6k and nk) starting
from Fort San Pedro to SRP and will be organized
by the Sports And Fitness Enthusiasts (SAFE)
team
25 APRIL 201§(SATURDAY
8:00 AM
MASS&TRASLACION
-Regular 8:00 AM Mass which will be followed
by a motorcade of the pilgrim image from
Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu to San
Nicholas Parish
5:30 AM
OPENING SALVO
-A Eucharistk Celebration to be presided over by
Rev. Fr. Jonas M. Me/ares, O.S.A the Basilica
Rector
11:00 AM
DAY 1 OF THE KAPLAG INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
-An international conference on the history of
the devotion to the Santo Nino, the presence
of the Augustinians in the Philippines and the
Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu.
5:30 PM
FIRST NOVENA MASS
-The opening of the novena masses In honor of
the celebrations to be presided by Most. Rev,
Jose S. Pa/ma, 0.0.
20 APRIL ZOIS(MONOAY)
2:00 PM
UNVEILING OF THE COMMEMORATIVE STAMP
LAUNCHING OF THE COMMEMORATIVE BOOK
PRESS CONFERENCE
-Venue; SM City Cebu
5:30 PM
SEVENTH NOVENA MASS
THEME:
26 APRIL 2015(SUNDAY)
7:00 AM
MASS&TRASLACION
-Motorcade of the pilgrim image from San
Nicholas Parish to Saint Joseph Parish,
Mandaue City
"SANTO NINO:
HOPE OF THE
PEOPLE"
5:30 PM
EIGHTH NOVENA MASS
5:30 PM
SECOND NOVENA MASS
11 APRIL 2015(TUESDAY)
10:00 AM
OPENING OF THE 450KAPLAG PHOTO EXHIBIT
•A travel exhibit that will feature photos depicting
the Santo Nino and its devotion.
Venue: SM City Cebu
5:30 PM
THIRD NOVENA MASS
22 APRIL 2015 (WEDNESDAY)
10:00 AM
OPENING OF THE OSA PAINTING EXHIBIT
-A painting exhibit of Rev. Fr. Dominador Besares,
O.S.A. as fruits of his reflections on the finding
(pagkakaplag) of the image of the Santo Nifio de
Cebu.
Venue: SM City Cebu, Arts Center
5:30 PM
FOURTH NOVENA MASS
23 & 24 APRIL 2015(THURSDAY & FRIDAY)
5:30 PM
FIFTH & SIXTH NOVENA MASSES
27 APRIL 2015 (MONDAY)
10:00 AM
SEND OFF MASS & PROCESSION
-Eucharistk Celebration at the Saint Joseph
Parish, Mandaue and will be followed by a
procession to the Ouano Wharf
1:30 PM
FLUVIAL PROCESSION & GRAND REENACTMENT
-A historical-religious play on the arrival of the
image of the Santo Nino, its finding and the
development of its devotion in the Philippines.
6:30 PM
NINTH NOVENA MASS
•With grand fireworks display and traditional
Sinulog after the Mass
28 APRIL 2015 (TUESDAY)
3:30 PM
OF THE FINDING OF THE IMAGE OF THE SANTO NINO (1565-2015)
OF THE PRESENCE OF THE AUGUSTINIANS IN THE PHILIPPINES (1665-2015)
50™ YEAR OF THE SANTO NINO CHURCH AS BASILICA MINORE (1965-2015)
45.PKAPLAC'OFFICE
Multi-Purpose Hall
Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu
Osmena Blvd., Cebu City, Cebu
TELEFAX:
(032) 255-6699 local 200
EMAIL
[email protected]
SOLEMN PROCESSION
5:30 PM
PONTIFICAL MASS
OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
WWW.450KAPLAG.COM
i^KGROUND
The Santo Nino icon of Cebu is historically recognized as the oldest
religious relic in the Philippines. Its origin is traced from the
celebrated voyage of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 which accidentally
"discovered" and claimed the islands for the Spanish Monarchy. The
historic s:rival was purely uncakulated for the fleet did not intend to
sail directly to the Philippines. The land of the spices, particularly the
highly-contested Moluccas, was the expedition's target destination.
The armada reached the islands after It was driven away by strong
winds from the original route which eventually brought them to the
island of Cebu. The preliminary encounters that followed forged
conditional alliances and the accompanying ceremonials took place
including the introduction of the Christian faith. Initial attempt to
evangelize the indigenous people of Cebu was accomplished with
the hasty acceptance of the Christian faith by King Hurnabon and his
subjects numbering around 800.
The Santo Nino image was given to Queen Juana upon her ardent
wish to have it in place of her local deities. The baptized indigenous
people did not flourish in their practice of faith mainly due to the
untimely demise of Magellan (including the chaplain Fr. Pedro
Valderrama) and the eventual return of the surviving contingent to
Spain. Also attributable to the absence of deeper instruction, the
baptismal rite was misconstrued by the locals as a customary ritual of
friendship rather than a spiritual initiation. After the interruption of
forty-four (44) years, the Legazpi-Urdaneta Expedition arrived in
Cebu. On April 28, 1565, the dramatic yet providential discovery
(pagkakaplag) of the same wooden image in a partially scorched hut
started the distinctive Christian heritage of the Philippines. The
Augustinians who accompanied the journey commenced the
systematic evangelization and Christiantzation of the islands. The
subsequent foundation of the Church and Convent of the
Augustinians rose on the actual site where the statuette was found.
It became the central house of the Augustinians, the mother church
in the Philippine Islands.
The establishment of organic settlements and mission areas
followed instantaneously and the pioneering evangelization
gradually prospered in geographical reach and ecclesiai organization
despite the scarcity of missionaries. AddWonal religious orders were
commissioned to the Philippines in successive intervals: Franciscans
(1578), Jesuits (1581), Dominicans (1587), and Augustinian Recollects
(1606). Their ground-breaking missionary endeavours contributed to
the Philippine identity as a predominantly Christian nations. The first
Church and Convent dedicated to Santo Nino developed into a
principal house of the Augustinian friars mainly in the spiritual and
missionary formation, and the promotion of the devotion to the Holy
Chid - the adored patron, protector and inspiration. As a
consequence, the Sartto Nifto Church grew in popularity throughout
the islands both in magnificence and significance as the cradle of
Philippine Christianity, and the perpetual sanctuary of the Santo Nino
of Cebu.»
In recognition of the historical, religious and cultural importance of
the Santo Nino Church and the sacred relic it keeps, the Catholic
Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) petitioned Pope Paul
VI in 1964 to confer on the Santo Nino Church the title "Basilica
Minore" in time for the Fourth Centennial of the Christianization of
the Philippines in 1965. The Santo Nino icon was also canonically
crowned by the Papal Legate lldebrando Cardinal Antoniutti - a
solemn gesture of singular honor reserved to the beloved Santo
Nino.
In its entirety, the Fourth Centennial Celebration
overwhelmingly succeeded in engaging the entire nation, thus
renewing "The Philippines for Christ" in faith, commitment and
enthusiasm to live out the Gospel message.
RATIONALE
In 2015, the joyfully-anticipated commemoration of the 450th year of
the finding of the sacred image will transpire. Closely tied up with
the occasion is the celebration of the soth anniversary of the Santo
Nino Church as Basilica Minore (1965-2015), dedicated to the
highly-revered icon of the Philippines. In both historic episodes of
Philippine Catholicism the scheduled nation-wide activities recognize
with gratitude the Augustinians who are instrumental in the
evangelization and Christianization of the Philippines. It is, then,
essentially appropriate to widen the extent of the celebration
through the national declaration of 2015 as Year of the Santo Nino.
The 450th anniversary of the discovery of the Santo Nino image, with
the formal Evangelization and Christianization of the Philippines,
marks a historic milestone in Philippine Christianity. In an
extraordinary way, the Augustinians look forward to the joyful
commemoration of the rewarding presence in the Philippines
(1565-2015). The Basilica and the devotion to the Santo Nino are
undoubtedly two significant contributions and legacy to the
Philippine Catholic Church that flourished from the pioneering
efforts of the earliest Augustinians to their successors. Moreover,
the foundation of towns and provinces, parishes and churches,
schools and other institutions is a living testament of their civic,
cultural, educational and religious commitment. The planned
activities are meant to pay homage to the memories of the past,
celebrate the continuous engagement, and embolden the
forthcoming endeavors of the Augustinians in the Philippines and
beyond. The 450th commemorative celebrations aim to animate the
commitment to "re-evangelize" through the authentic witnessing of
the shared faith. The objective is anchored on the Pastoral Letter of
the CBCP on the Era of New Evangelization, "Live Christ, Share
Christ." A vibrant Church like the Philippines aspires to be more
active in the universal mission by reaching out and re-evangelizing
the world, especially Asia. On the national scene, the line-up of
events highlights the historical, cultural, societal and religious
significance - all rolled Into our common heritage as a proud nation
indebted to its beginnings. It is likewise an opportunity to inform the
young generations for them to appreciate our colorful historical past
and to deepen and concretize our sense of identity.
The composition of the Executive and Working Committees include
representatives from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the
Philippines (CBCP), national government agencies such as the
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), National
Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA); the Augustinian Family,
particularly the Vicariate of the Orient (Philippine Province); other
Religious Congregations; the Archdiocese of Cebu, headed by His
Excellency Archbishop Jose Palma, DD; local government units of
Cebu, represented by the Provincial Governor and Cebu City Mayor;
non-government organizations, private companies and individual's. ..
The Executive and Steering Committees have met several times for
the finalization of the calendar of activities. The year-long (2015-2016)
Santo Nino celebrations adapted the theme, "Santo Nino: Hope of
the People." It is likewise intended to reinvigorate the religious
fervor of the faithful to the Holy Child who has favored the country
and its people with abundant graces since the miraculous finding in
1565.
Barely a month from the closing of the celebrations in April 2016, the
Philippines will host the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in
Cebu City with the theme, "Christ in You: Our Hope of Glory." A
related event, although lesser in magnitude, transpired as well in
1965 when the 3rd National Eucharistic Congress opened in
commemoration of the Fourth Centenary of the Philippine Church.
The international gathering magnifies the festival's commemorative
agenda and heightens the new evangelization's underlying motive as
the Congress focuses on the centrality of the Eucharist in our
Christian community. It is the collective expression of our ecclesiai
being gathered around the wellspring of eternal life and selfless love.
Jesus Christ is indeed, in the image of the Santo Nino, the source of
hope for all who are spiritually drawn by the redemptive weight of
His absolute self-giving.
Fr. Arnel Antonio S. Dizon, O.S.A.
| APPROVED ACTIVITIES FOR 18-28 APRIL 2015
18 APRIL 1015 (SATURDAY)
7:00 AM
TRASLACION
-/Motorcade of the pilgrim image of the Santo Nino
from Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu to
Redemptorist Church
19 APRIL 2015 (SUNDAY)
4:00 AM
PENITENTIAL WALK WITH JESUS
-A procession of the Santo Nino pilgrim image from
the Redemptorist Church to Fuente Osmena circle
then to the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu