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