La Consolacion College Bacolod marked the Feast of Señor Santo Niño with a Eucharistic celebration that highlighted humility, forgiveness and God’s enduring love, as reflected in the image of the Child Jesus.
The Mass, held on campus, was presided over by Rev. Fr. Jess Daño, OSA, who reflected on the rich symbolism of the Sto. Niño during his homily. He explained that the image of the Child Jesus holding a globe topped with a cross conveys a profound Gospel message: the circle represents the world and all of humanity, while the cross signifies Christ’s sacrifice, through which the world is redeemed from sin.
“Even as a child, Jesus already carries the symbol of salvation,” Daño said, noting that God’s plan to redeem humanity was present from the very beginning. He emphasized that the Sto. Niño is portrayed not as a powerful ruler but as a humble child, reminding the faithful that true greatness is found in simplicity, obedience and trust in God’s will.
Daño also underscored that the cross atop the world points to Christ’s ultimate act of forgiveness. Through His suffering and death, he said, Christ extended mercy to a broken world, forgiving humanity despite rejection and sin. This, he added, places forgiveness at the very heart of the Gospel message.
Holding the world gently, the Sto. Niño invites believers to live out forgiveness with patience and compassion, Daño said. Such forgiveness, he noted, heals relationships, restores peace and reflects the boundless love God freely gives. He further explained that humility and forgiveness are inseparable, as forgiving others requires letting go of pride and resentment to allow God’s grace to work.
“In embracing humility, we make space for God’s grace,” Daño said, encouraging the community to imitate the Sto. Niño in daily life so they may become instruments of healing, hope and reconciliation.
Sr. Flolyn S. Catungal, OSA, president of La Consolacion College Bacolod, said the devotion to the Sto. Niño holds deep meaning for the college community and resonates strongly with its Augustinian-Marian identity.
“The Sto. Niño devotion reminds us that our faith is rooted in humility, trust in God and a childlike openness to grace,” Catungal said. “As an Augustinian-Marian institution, this devotion calls us to live with love, compassion and forgiveness, allowing Christ to transform our hearts so we may serve others more generously.”
She added that celebrating the feast strengthens the community’s commitment to embody Gospel values in education and service, especially in responding to the needs of a wounded world.
The annual celebration of the Feast of Señor Santo Niño remains a significant spiritual tradition at LCC Bacolod, drawing the academic community together in prayer, reflection and renewed dedication to Christian values.
By: Mikhail Ivan Muchuelas
Photo Credits: Zara Sophia Diaz The Ripples LCCB