Archbishop of Barcelona Leads Celebration of Sinulog Mass at Basilica de La Sagrada Familia
Archbishop of Barcelona Cardinal Juan José Omella shares his message exalting the Santo Niño
BARCELONA 21 January 2025 – The Sinulog Festival took center stage at Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia, with the revered Santo Niño de Cebu at the heart of the celebration during the Basilica’s International Mass on 19 January 2025. With the mass celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Juan José Omella, the event was organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona and the Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia, drawing over a thousand devotees from around the world who also witnessed the vibrant Sinulog dance performed by members of the community, in a powerful expression of faith, cultural heritage, and unity. The Rector of the Basilica, Reverend Josep Maria Turull, and Filipino priests serving in Barcelona also took part in the mass.
In her message, Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Filipino community and Barcelona’s Catholic hierarchy for their support in making this event a remarkable success. “This celebration not only reaffirms the deep devotion of Filipinos to the Santo Niño but also strengthens the bond between our Filipino and Spanish communities,” Consul General remarked in her address to the congregation.
In his homily, Cardinal Omella reflected on the profound symbolism of the Santo Niño’s small stature, emphasizing that, despite its modest size, it embodies immense spiritual power and serves as a reminder of humility and divine strength. He also commended the Filipino community for its unwavering faith and deep connection to their cultural and religious heritage, highlighting their devotion as a source of inspiration and unity.
This is the second presentation of the Santo Niño at the Sagrada Familia, following its inaugural presentation at the Sagrada Familia on 05 December 2021, as part of the Quincentennial Commemorations of Christianity’s introduction to the Philippines. This year, free from the constraints of pandemic restrictions, a significantly larger congregation gathered to honor this cherished symbol of Filipino devotion.
The celebration commenced with a solemn yet joyful procession of the Santo Niño through the historical halls of the Sagrada Familia, where it was met with reverence by attendees. One of the highlights of the event was the performance of the traditional Sinulog dance. The dance embodied the depth of Filipino faith and their enduring devotion to the Santo Niño.
Prayers of the Faithful were delivered in multiple languages, including Filipino, English, Spanish, Italian and Catalan, reflecting the event’s inclusive spirit and the global Catholic community’s unity.
Filipino representatives Barcelona Ciutat Vella Councillor Joseph Andal and Dr. Julianne Eris Navarro read petitions in Filipino, calling for harmony and solidarity among nations.
During the offertory, emblematic Philippine products were presented, symbolizing Philippine culture.
The Santo Niño de Cebu holds a special place in the hearts of Filipinos, symbolizing resilience, family, and faith. Its presence at the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia reinforces these values and serves as a reminder of the enduring deep historical and spiritual ties between the Philippines and Spain. END
For more information, visit https://barcelonapcg.dfa.gov.ph/ or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBarcelona/.