Pope Leo: Appreciate sacrament of baptism, perform charity

MANILA, Philippines — Pope Leo XIV extended his greetings for the celebration of the Feast of the Sto. Niño, expressing hope that the feast would help the Catholic faithful have a greater appreciation and understanding of the sacrament of baptism that made them God’s children.

In a Facebook post, the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu yesterday posted the message of Pope Leo, dated Jan. 5, that was sent through Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on the occasion of the 461st Feast of the Pit Señor Sto. Niño.

“Guided by the theme of ‘In Sto. Niño we are one,’ the Holy Father prays that this feast will once again be an opportunity to grow in appreciation of the sacramental grace of baptism that incorporates us into Christ, and thus makes us children of God and members of his Church,” the Vatican said in the message.

The pontiff hopes that by having a deeper understanding of the sacrament of baptism, the people would be moved to perform acts of charity and mercy especially to those in need.

“It is, therefore, his hope that you will be inspired by a greater desire to embrace the baptismal call to live a grace-filled life in Christ and in service to your brothers and sisters, especially those on the margins of society, so that you will bear greater witness to Christ’s call to unity and reflect the life of charity of the Most Holy Trinity,” it added.

Pope Leo, the first Augustinian head of the Catholic Church, also expressed his greetings to the Augustinian community of the Minor Basilica of Sto. Niño in Cebu.

“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sends warm greetings… together with the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all gathered for the annual Fiesta Señor celebrations,” it said.

“Commending you and all those present for the celebrations to the loving intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, Pope Leo XIV willingly imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a sign of joy and hope in the Lord,” it added.

25 Jubilee churches

Meanwhile, the Diocese of Antipolo identified 25 churches as official pilgrimage sites during the yearlong jubilee, marking 400 years since the arrival of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in the country.

According to CBCPNews, Church officials said the jubilee also commemorates the 100th anniversary of the canonical coronation of the Marian image, also known as the Virgin of Antipolo.

“These are not simply anniversaries – they are milestones of faith… and reminders of how God has journeyed with us, through the guidance of our Mother, Virgin of Antipolo,” Bishop Ruperto Santos said last Jan. 15.

For four centuries, pilgrims have journeyed to Antipolo seeking protection, healing and hope, Bishop Santos said, calling the devotion a living story of faith passed through generations.

Fr. Marc Ramos, director of the diocesan commission on worship and liturgy, said the pilgrimage follows two key moments: embarkation and disembarkation. Pilgrims pass through designated jubilee doors, which he said clearly point to Jesus Christ as “the door that leads to the Father.”

The jubilee is shaped as a spiritual journey along four paths – faith, peace, hope and love – leading pilgrims to Antipolo Cathedral, the final stop of each pilgrimage route. The pilgrims will carry a jubilee passport stamped at each pilgrimage church.

“This is not just a journey of the feet, but a journey of the heart,” said Fr. Glenn William Relucio, overall coordinator of the jubilee celebrations.

The pilgrims will receive simple tokens for completing each road, but Relucio stressed the true gift is spiritual renewal and the grace of plenary indulgence.

The jubilee also includes outreach programs, catechetical activities, historical exhibits and national pilgrimages that bring the devotion beyond Antipolo. The jubilee will conclude on Nov. 28.