The Santo Niño de Cebu crossed oceans once more, not by galleon this time, but through faith, memory, and devotion, finding a new spiritual home at the Cathedral of Valencia early this week (January 18, 2026).
In a historic and deeply moving celebration organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona in collaboration with the Philippine Honorary Consul and the Filipino Community in Valencia, a replica of the Santo Niño de Cebu was formally presented and donated to one of Spain’s most revered cathedrals.
Held in observance of the Sinulog-Santo Niño tradition, the event brought together more than a thousand faithful from different cultures and nations, united by a shared devotion to the Child Jesus.
The Holy Mass was presided over by Archbishop of Valencia the Most Reverend Enrique Benavent Vidal, and concelebrated by Spain-based Filipino clergy Father Ericson Borre and Father Edgar Balboa dela Cruz.
Beneath the soaring arches of the Cathedral of Valencia — consecrated in 1238 and home to the Santo Cáliz, believed by many to be the Holy Grail — the faithful witnessed a moment rich in history and emotion.
For many Filipino devotees, hearts overflowed with emotional devotion as the Santo Niño was welcomed into a sacred space steeped in centuries of Christian tradition.
In his homily, Archbishop Benavent reminded the Filipino faithful that distance from one’s homeland should never weaken Christian faith.
He noted that devotion to the Santo Niño de Cebu reflects a conscious commitment to keep faith, culture, and Christian roots alive while living abroad, emphasizing that the Church remains one family, united by a shared love for the Lord rather than by geography.
Prior to the Mass, a solemn procession of the Santo Niño de Cebu made its way from the Archbishop’s residence to the Cathedral, drawing reverent attention and quiet curiosity. It was faith in motion — solemn yet joyful — introducing Valencia to a devotion that has shaped Filipino spirituality for more than five centuries.
The Santo Niño replica, generously donated by former Cebu City Councilor Atty. Jocelyn G. Pesquera, will eventually be permanently enshrined at the Cathedral, symbolizing the enduring spiritual presence of the Philippines in Spain and the shared Catholic heritage of both nations.
Philippine Consul General to Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro and Philippine Honorary Consul in Valencia Manuel Carrion both emphasized the importance of the celebration in strengthening the spiritual and cultural connection of Filipinos in Valencia to their homeland.
They noted that the donation of the Santo Niño de Cebu reflects the Philippine Consulate General’s enduring commitment to the welfare, faith, and identity of the Filipino community overseas, while also serving as a meaningful expression of cultural diplomacy and shared Catholic heritage between the Philippines and Spain.
“The presence of the Santo Niño in Valencia reminds us that faith travels with our people wherever they may be,” Consul General Lazaro said, adding that the image is hoped to inspire an enduring spiritual bond among Filipino devotees as well as the wider Spanish and international community.
After the Mass, members of the Filipino community presented a Sinulog dance performance, filling the historic space with rhythm, color, and movement. The dance echoed the joy of devotion and reflected how faith is not only prayed, but celebrated.
Ms. Angelica Francisco, a newly arrived Filipina student from Cebu, shared her joy at being part of the celebration.
“Being a Cebuano, the Sinulog is an important part of my life. God, in His way, allowed me to be part of the event even if I am far from home. It gave me a sense of pride and joy that I was able to share this iconic festival and celebration with the Spanish community,” Francisco said.
From Cebu to Valencia, the Santo Niño has arrived, not as a stranger, but as family, reminding all that faith knows no borders, and that the Church remains one home for all.