Zero Plastic Advocacy for the Launching of Basilica Minore Del Sto Nino at 500 years.

Sto. Niño De Cebu at 500 aims zero plastic advocacy that will start on the launching this Wednesday, November 13 2019, at the Basilica Minore Del Sto Nino Church and the areas surrounding it.

The Augustinians, who are the lead organizers, stated during the press conference last Nov 11 that they encourage everyone not to use any plastics during the solemn celebration.

With the rampant issue regarding climate change and pollution all around the world, the committee of this event wants to be the leading stewards in making Cebu cleaner.

This is a celebration for 500 years of the arrival of the image of Sto. Nino that highlights the theme: “Sto. Nino, the abiding presence of the Father in our journey of faith.”

Rev. Fr. Aladdin P. Luzon said that the celebration which will be launched at 3:00 pm on November 13 is open to the public. The programs and events will take place inside the church premises considering the unpredictable weather conditions (rain) that might cause interruption during the event.

The press conference was spearheaded by the Augustinian priests namely Rev. Fr. Rev fr. Genesis P. Labana OSA, Rev. Fr. Aladdin P. Luzon OSA Rev. Fr. Pacifico C. Nohara Jr OSA and Rev. Fr. Ric Anthony A. Reyes OSA.

They also mentioned that they have invited important people or personalities for the event; The Pope, as well as the Philippine President but they are still waiting and hoping that they will respond or attend the Launching of the patron Saint of Cebu: Sto Nino. 

However, region 7’s PNP, DepEd, CHED, LGU, NGO and such are as one with the Augustinians in this grand celebration.

The priests also disclosed during the press conference that one of their highlights in this 2020 to 2021 celebration is the introduction of the holy image of Sto. Nino to 500 places and countries which they confirmed that they have already started in October and November and will soon be in some parts of the world outside the country.

The Basilica prepared events for the Grand launching this November 13, in the afternoon there will be another conference for the overview of the launching and a concentrated Mass for the blessing of the Holy image of Sto nino and unveiling the sto nino at 500 logo.

In the evening there will be a program with cultural dance presentation, a chorale show, video viewing of the SNAF and Basilica Children’s Welfare Inc, awarding of winners for the logo making contest, unveiling the sto nino at 500 and Augustinians’ plans for the celebration on 2019 to 2021 and also awarding of certificates for the performers and presenters (Sandiego Dance Company, USA choirs and troubadours, Basilica Grand Chorale and Coro Liturgico, Augustino). This will all happen inside the church on the same day.

The Basilica still strictly implements the “No Backpacks” and Nearby roads on the church will be closed for a successful celebration. 

May our faith be restored and remain faithful to our patron Saint in sugbu, Sto Nino. Viva Pit senior! (with reports from Kathrene Mari Bustillo)