Roman Catholics traditionally observe the month of January as the month of the Holy Child, in honor of the Child Jesus, the well venerated Santo Nino, whose image has become a common fixture in the homes of the faithful around the country.

Before the pandemic, grand and colorful festivities, town fiestas, elaborate processions, and other commemorative festive rites are traditionally held in many parts of the country at this time of the year, particularly on the third Sunday of January which is celebrated as the Feast of the Santo Nino.

As of this time, the activities for this year’s feast of the Santo Nino on January 16 have yet to be finalized with the rise in coronavirus cases around the country.

In 2015, the feast of the Holy Child was particularly memorable as it coincided with Pope Francis’ farewell mass at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, Manila.

The devotion to the Child Jesus is widespread and popular among Filipino Catholics who keep an image of the Holy Child garbed in different outfits in their altars at home. As the revered patron saint of children, parents invoke the intercession of the Santo Nino to keep watch over their children.

"The image of the Child Jesus with a king’s crown symbolizes the Kingship and the Childhood of Christ. The small globe on His hand signifies that Christ is the King of the Universe who became a little child.” Church leaders said.

The Church encourages the faithful to “trust in the loving and powerful intercession of the Holy Child Jesus and to raise all children to God and ask the Lord to enfold them in His love and protection.”

The faithful are encouraged to reflect and find wisdom in Matthew 18:34, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of Heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.”