To many Catholics worldwide, the Christ Child inspires reverence, prayer, and quiet devotion. For Filipino Catholics, He is also an invitation to dance, celebrate, and witness His miracles through prayers of intercession.
To mark the Feast of the Christ Child in January, the Filipino Catholic community of Western Sydney came together in joyous unity to honour Señor Santo Niño during the vibrant Sinulog festival.
This year’s Sinulog was celebrated at St Patrick’s Church, Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown. Dressed in vibrant red and reflecting the theme of the day, “In Sto Niño, We Are One,” the congregation honoured the Holy Infant Jesus with cultural dance, heartfelt prayer, and a deep sense of shared faith.
A gift of faith
The Sinulog festival began in 1521 in the Philippines, when Ferdinand Magellan gifted an image of the Holy Child Jesus to Queen Juana of Cebu, marking the start of Christianity in the country.
Its name comes from the Cebuano word sulog, meaning ‘like the movement of water’ reflecting the festival’s signature dance steps that reflect the Filipino journey towards Christian faith.
Today, Sinulog is celebrated worldwide as a joyful expression of devotion to Señor Santo Niño. Filipinos make up the highest percentage of Catholics born overseas in the Diocese of Parramatta – around 30,000, or 9.5 per cent. The Filipino population continues to grow as families settle in Sydney’s west to the Blue Mountains.
“Rooted deeply in Filipino spirituality and culture, the Sinulog Fiesta becomes a sacred gathering where faith transcends distance, generations, and backgrounds,” said Sarah Canete-Damole, organiser of the celebration.
Members of the faithful during the Sinulog festival celebrating Señor Santo Niño (The Christ Child) at St Patrick’s Church, Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
In the Australian setting, where Filipinos come from different provinces, professions, and life journeys, the devotion to Sto Niño remains a “unifying force”, Sarah said.
“Despite being far from our homeland, we are bound together by the same prayer, the same dance, and the same deep trust in the Holy Child.”
Dance and prayer
Through the Holy Mass, swaying Sinulog dance and prayers, the Filipino Catholic community renews its faith and affirms its identity as one people under God. A beautiful procession of statues of the Child Jesus are offered for a priestly blessing, while the cultural dress is on full display to honour country, history and connection.
Members of the faithful in cultural dress during the Sinulog festival celebrating Señor Santo Niño (The Christ Child) at St Patrick’s Church, Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Fr Jonathan Germaninda MSP, the Diocese’s newly appointed Filipino Chaplain, said the celebration reveals the deep spirituality and strong sense of participation that is alive in the community.
“The Filipino community yearns to live out their faith much like how they do in the Philippines,” Fr Jonathan said.
“The devotion gives the community the opportunity to gather and be one in their expression of love and devotion to Jesus as the Sto Nino.”
Accompaniment with Christ
Fr Jonathan himself has felt the presence of the Holy Child throughout his priestly life.
Arriving in the Diocese in June 2025, he ministered at both Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes and Mary Immaculate Parish, Quakers Hill before being appointed Coordinator of the Filipino Chaplaincy.
“I grew up very much influenced by the image and devotion to Sto Nino… So I would say that the Sto Nino has been ‘with me’ in my priestly journey,” he shared.
Celebrations like the Sinulog Fiesta, and the recent Migrant Jubilee Cross Pilgrimage, Fr Jonathan explained, do more than honour tradition – they strengthen faith, nurture community, and connect migrants with a sense of belonging:
“Celebrating it here, away from home, gives the feeling of being back home,” he said.
Cultural dancers during the Sinulog festival celebrating Señor Santo Niño (The Christ Child) at St Patrick’s Church, Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“The joy and expression of faith is very much experienced here, and it affirms that devotion can be lived out wherever one may be.”
Fr Wim Hoekstra, Parish Priest at Mary, Queen of the Family Parish and principal celebrant of the Mass, reflected on the significance of the Mass celebration.
“Events like Sinulog enrich parish life and reflect the multicultural nature of the Church in Australia. They show the joy, faith, and unity of our Filipino community, and remind all of us that our parishes are stronger when diverse cultures bring their gifts to the life of the Church,” Fr Wim said.
Amidst the celebrations of the day, and during the Mass, a Filipino chant could be heard in perfect unison: “Viva Señor Santo Niño! Viva Pit Señor!”
View photos of the Sinulog festival on Flickr.
This celebration reflects the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Community and Worship, and objective to be a Church that is inclusive and welcoming, and renewed in spirit and prayer. Visit Synodality to learn more.
