Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

But how did we Filipinos start with such a devotion to a child? In the book Santo Niño, The Holy Child Devotion in the Philippines edited by Abe Florendo, it was said that our Spanish colonizers not only introduced Christianity to our people, but also transplanted the flamboyance of baroque art. This, they say is evident in the Niño that Ferdinand Magellan brought with him in 1521—dressed in a long-sleeved silk shirt, accented by a bib or lace ruff, worn with a gold embroidered vest over pantaloon. A sash and a belt, knee-high leather boots and cape of rich brocade completed the image’s look.

The image also came with kingly emblems signifying sovereignty and possession of all material wealth of the Spanish empire (the crown), the scepter representing martial power and the right to dispense justice, and the orb that conjures two images at once—the dominion of the Niño over the world of creation and the sovereignty of Spain over a large of the globe in its role as defender of the Catholic faith.

The devotion to the Infant Jesus may have been propagated by St. Francis of Asissi, the saint of birds and animals. He created the crèche or the belen, the traditional Christmas display that depicts the Babe in a manger. However, the world’s most famous representation of the Holy Child is the Infant of Prague, also showing the devotion to the Child as King, as popularized by the Discalced Carmelite nuns.

Oakland-based Sylvia Ford is a person who has collected Santo Niño images for most of her life. In fact, she is not sure exactly how many images she has amassed over the years. "Marami, I think more less about 500," she said. Her pieces are given by her friends throughout the years plus what she has purchased from her travels and antique shows. But most of collections are still in storage, and the ones on display are mostly antiques, some as old as 300 to 500 years old.

The interesting part is that even if the image remains as a child, the Niño can represent the personal affirmations of faith by the devotees. Among Miss Ford’s collections include a photojournalist, a cab driver, an image for good health and doctors, and of course, one that represents prosperity. In the Philippines, the cult of the Santo Niño is said to be phenomenal, because of the proliferation of titles.

Miss Ford believes that the Santo Niño is more than just for collection—it is part of her faith and devotion, like many others who have found solace, peace, blessings and mercy in the Infant Child. "Natutuwa naman ako because most of my requests have been given by the Santo Niño," she said and added, "my friends also call or even come to house for prayer requests." And she is not referring not only to the material blessings she has continued to receive, but also for her family.

The Santo Niño and the Filipinos’ devotion to it is a manifestation of love for family and the sentiment that the child is the center of the universe—the source of hope and happiness, an angel and a little saint. Many have shared stories of miracles done by the Infant Jesus, yet some may see that as myths. But faith holds a different power over those who believe. In this case, the Santo Niño carries the unwavering belief that a much higher power—an innocent child at that —watches over us to keep us safe.

( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published on January 23, 2009 in SF Magazine p.2 )