The Santo Niño is a representation of the Child Jesus, which literally means “holy child”. Filipinos, being largely Roman Catholics, venerate and are faithful devotee of the Santo Niño whom they believed to be miraculous

History

The Santo Niño is believed to be the oldest religious image in the Philippines, the statue was originally given in 1521 as a baptismal gift by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan via Antonio Pigafetta, who physically handed it to Lady Humamay, the principal wife of Rajah Humabon. The very first image of the Santo Niño known as the Santo Niño de Cebu, is enshrined in the Basilica Minore de Sto. Niño in Cebu. Many other images and versions of the Santo Niño were given life in the various festivals dedicated to the holy child. The image is replicated in many homes and business establishments with different titles reinterpreted in various areas of the country. The celebration of the feast of the Santo Niño was approved by the Holy See. Special liturgical texts are used during local feasts. The official celebration is set on the third Sunday of January where various provinces have their colorful and grandeur fiestas in offering.

The Tri-Valley Santo Niño Prayer Group

The Tri-Valley Santo Niño prayer group was founded in 1989 and has thrived in the Tri-Valley area with a strong membership of close to 200 families. Our members are primarily registered at the following parishes within the Tri Valley: Catholic Community of Pleasanton, St. Raymond, St. Joan of Arc, St. Isidore and St. Michael. Generally, members volunteer their time and services to their respective parish or as a group under the Tri Valley Santo Niño Prayer Group.

Goal

Our goal is to evangelize and unite the Filipino community by upholding our culture and heritage: deepen the faith and devotion to Santo Niño (Holy Infant Jesus) of every family we serve. This is being done by transferring the statues of the Holy Infant Jesus & Mother Mary every Friday evenings to a family scheduled to receive the images, rosary and novena prayers by members in attendance ensue. The statues stay with the family for a week and ritual rosary & novena is carried through daily until transferred to another family. The devotion of the Santo Niño is also considered the means of inspiring the highest values in upholding sacred traditions of Philippine culture and heritage. The group ensures that no weekly monetary collection is ever taken from family members.

Celebration

The Tri Valley Santo Niño Feast is celebrated annually, every second week of January together with the San Leandro and San Joaquin chapters. The festival is primarily funded by the membership’s annual voluntary donation in December to prepare for the forthcoming fiesta in January. Any leftover funds are deposited in an account on which two coordinators are signatories, and are open to all the members for review. The financial reports are disseminated annually to the members and coordinators after all expenses have been tallied for transparency.