22 January 2015 - The Filipino community in Guam joined the Filipinos back in the Philippines in celebrating the annual feast of the Santo Niño by conducting a joint celebration of the 16th Santo Niño Fiesta at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica in Agana, Guam on January 11.

The highlight of the celebration was a high mass presided by His Eminence Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, D.D., of the Archdiocese of Cotabato. The mass was concelebrated by Archbishop of Agana Anthony Sablan Apuron and several other priests on Guam.

The celebration was attended by Guam Governor Eddie B. Calvo, Senator Dennis G. Rodriguez and other Guam officials.

Philippine Consul General Marciano R. de Borja together with the Consulate General’s officers and staff and their families also attended the celebration and joined the Filipino community in observing this important religious tradition and merrymaking. 

The mass was followed by a colorful procession around Skinner Plaza which was joined by hundreds of Santo Niño devotees on the island, who brought with them images of the Santo Niño in various sizes, unique designs and colorful costumes.

As part of the festive celebration, a fellowship dinner and cultural program was also held in the evening at the Guam Bakery compound in Dededo, which featured performances of various Filipino songs, Sinulog and folk dances, Eskrima/Arnis exhibition, among others.

The 16th Santo Nino Fiesta celebration on Guam was spearheaded by the Santo Niño –Guam 2000, chaired by Mr. Tim Oftana, in cooperation with the Aklan Association, Cebu Association, Capizenos of Guam and the Iloilo International.

The image of the Santo Niño used in the annual celebration was donated by Archbishop of Cebu Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal to Guam Archbishop Anthony Sablan Apuron in 1999. END