With hearts full of joy, gratitude, and faith, the parish community of Bago Bantay came together to celebrate the 59th Parish Fiesta in honor of Señor Sto. Niño de Bago Bantay, guided by the theme: “Pamayanan at Dambana, magkatuwang sa paglalakbay kay Sto. Niño.” The celebration drew devotees from all around Metro Manila and neighboring provinces, all eager to visit the church and pay homage to Sto. Niño de Bago Bantay, making it a true pilgrimage of faith.
Even in the heart of the city, the streets and homes come alive with vibrant decorations, colorful lights, and joyful gatherings reminiscent of traditional fiestas. The festivities continue the spirit of Christmas and New Year, with communal dances, musical performances, and family prayers creating a sense of warmth, belongingness, and shared devotion.
In the homily of our beloved Bishop Eli, he reminded everyone that devotion to the Sto. Niño is expressed not only in processions or rituals, but in joyful, everyday acts of love and faith. He shared:
“Ang pag-awit at pagsayaw ay hindi lamang bahagi ng kultura—ito ay bahagi ng ating pagsamba.”
Through song and dance, he emphasized, faith can be lived fully and joyfully, echoing the childlike wonder and love that Sto. Niño inspires.
Moreover, Bishop Eli highlighted Jesus’ call to become like children—not in age, but in heart and disposition. He invited the faithful to embrace three key qualities inspired by the Santo Niño: humility, trust, and forgiveness. Humility is the doorway to grace, trust anchors us through life’s storms, and forgiveness breathes life into families and communities. Sharing a personal story of fear during a turbulent flight, he said:
“Lord, even if I cannot see the ground, I know You see me.”
Through simple acts of prayer and holding the rosary, he showed that faith is not about perfection—it is about connection, reliance, and courage.
Thus, we are also reminded that all we have comes from God, and that gratitude, not pride, is the proper response to God’s gifts. Even small gestures—a candy to a child, a helping hand to a neighbor—keep the spirit of Santo Niño alive. As he said:
“Maliit na gawa, malaking pag-ibig.”
The fiesta celebrations resonated with the community during the novena masses, where faithful came together in prayer, reflection, and devotion. Across these days, the same call was heard: return to simplicity of faith, deepen trust in God, and live the devotion beyond church walls through acts of kindness and mercy. In this way, the theme “Pamayanan at Dambana” was truly lived: a parish united at the altar and in the streets, walking together toward Christ with the childlike spirit of Sto. Niño.
As the parish marks its 59th year, the celebration reminds everyone that the fiesta is not just a day of festivities—it is a way of life. True devotion is found in humility instead of pride, in trust instead of fear, and in forgiveness instead of resentment. Through these gifts, the community continues its journey with joy, faith, and love.
Mabuhay ang Pamayanang Naglalakbay sa Pananampalataya! Viva Sto. Niño de Bago Bantay!