The flame of faith burns brighter than ever in Cebu. As the province and city prepare for the grand feast of the Señor Sto. Niño, a powerful display of devotion marked the start of the nine-day novena on January 8, 2026.
Record-Breaking Turnout for Spiritual Walk
A massive crowd of approximately 240,000 devotees participated in the organized "Walk with Jesus" procession from Fuente Osmeña to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. This figure represents a significant 50% increase from the 160,000 participants recorded the previous year, according to data from the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
Lieutenant Colonel Jose Losbaños, information officer of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), confirmed this remarkable surge. He attributed the rising numbers to a deeper sense of devotion and gratitude among Catholic believers. This follows a series of calamities, including earthquakes and typhoons, that struck Cebu in the past year.
Faith Strengthened by Adversity
Instead of fear or despair, these tragedies have forged an even stronger collective faith. The central motivations driving people to wake at dawn and walk the streets were profound thanksgiving and fervent pleas for continued protection. The message for the January 18, 2026 feast is clear: the devotion of Cebuanos cannot be dimmed by any disaster.
This annual event is far more than a ritual. It stands as a living testament to the resilience of the Cebuano spirit—a community that remains standing and trusting in a Higher Power amidst challenges. These calamities could have broken a community's spirit, but in Cebu, they became a path for people to hold tighter to the Holy Child.
A Spiritual Journey and Achievement
Every step in the procession carries a story of endurance, a recognition that behind the darkness of storms and quakes, the light of Santo Niño provides courage to carry on. For a true devotee, completing the nine-day novena is not merely a tradition; it is considered a spiritual "requirement."
Faithful participants view this completion as a major spiritual achievement, akin to the fulfillment felt after finishing the nine-day Misa de Gallo during Christmas. It brings an indescribable peace of mind that follows attendance at the daily masses, reinforcing their commitment year after year.
The 2026 celebration powerfully demonstrates that Cebuano devotion, embodied in the cry of "Viva Pit Señor!", remains an unshakeable force, rising powerfully from the trials the community has faced.
