The Filipino-American and Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish communities gathered in Gibbsboro on March 26 for a Sinulog celebration on the Feast of Santo Nino de Cebu. During a colorful, festive Sunday afternoon that included dancers, a procession throughout the streets and church, and Mass, the faithful brought their prayers and adoration to the Filipino representation of the Holy Child Jesus. The festival marks the time in 1521 when the Santo Nino de Cebu was first brought to the Philippines as a wooden image by the explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who gave the image to Queen Juana as a baptismal gift.
Today, the Holy Child is an example for Filipinos to emulate the virtues of humility, patience and simplicity. “We brought white and red flowers, and offered them to Mary and the Santo Nino,” said Suzette Parangao, one of the festival’s organizers, who also mentioned that the Filipino dancers represented three different organizations: Our Lady of Peace Parish in Williamstown, the Pure Ener-J group comprising local dancers, and Sinulog dancers from New York.
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