The “Novena to Santo Niño” honors the Holy Child Jesus, a beloved devotion that holds a special place in Catholic tradition, particularly in the Philippines and throughout Latin America, where it has inspired deep faith and countless miracles for over 500 years.
The most famous image of the Santo Niño is the Santo Niño de Cebú, a dark-skinned figure of the Child Jesus holding a globe and raising His hand in blessing. This statue was given by Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana of Cebu upon her baptism in 1521, making it the oldest Christian relic in the Philippines. Miraculously preserved through fire and war, the Santo Niño de Cebú remains enshrined in the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City.
The Feast of Santo Niño is celebrated on the third Sunday of January, drawing millions of devoted pilgrims to honor the Holy Child. Through this devotion, the faithful are reminded of Christ’s humility in becoming a child, His tender love for humanity, and His invitation to approach Him with childlike trust and simplicity.
The Santo Niño is venerated as a powerful intercessor for families, children, the sick, and all who seek the gentle mercy of Our Lord. Many faithful have experienced healings, protection, and answered prayers through devotion to the Holy Child.
Novena to Santo Niño
O Señor Santo Niño, You are our king and our God, we worship You. You are our strong defender, we turn to You. You are the patron of Cebu, the Philippines, and the world, we come to You.
You have made extraordinary wonders through Your miraculous image in those chosen islands, remember us. Look down at this poor soul that comes to You for help.
Lead us with Your wisdom; discipline us with Your truth; console us with Your tenderness, protect us with Your might.
We consecrate today our thoughts of You, only with You shall they be occupied; our words, only of You shall they speak; our sufferings, that we may endure them for Your sake.
We beg You Señor Santo Niño, illumine our understanding, kindle our will, cleanse our body, sanctify our soul. We wish what You wish, because You wish, as You wish, as long as You wish.
Grant us, Señor Santo Niño, that we may feel love toward You, be strict toward ourselves, be zealous toward our fellowmen, and rightly despise the things of the world. Help us to overcome sensuality with strict discipline, avariciousness with generosity, anger with gentleness, indolence with zealous industry. Make us wise in counsel, courageous in danger, patient in adversity, humble in prosperity.
Teach us, dear Santo Niño, how worthless is the world, how sublime is heaven, how brief is time, how long is eternity.
Grant us, lastly, that we may remember You, adore You, love You and serve You here on earth; that we may be happy with You forever and ever in heaven. Amen.