Filipino Apostolate’s Sinulog Festival: a living Epiphany of faith and joy
On Jan. 4, the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart became a sacred home away from home for the Filipino faithful of the Archdiocese of Newark. On this day, the Church celebrated the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, the feast of Christ revealed to the nations. For Filipinos, that revelation took on a tender and deeply personal face, the face of the Santo Niño, the Child Jesus who has journeyed with them across oceans, generations, and countless prayers. What unfolded during the 3rd Grand Sinulog Festival was more than a liturgical celebration; it was a living Epiphany, a moment when heaven seemed to touch earth, and the heart of every Filipino present was set ablaze.
The gathering came after weeks of Simbang Gabi celebrations held separately in parishes and counties across the archdiocese. Each community had honored the Lord in its own sacred space, with its own traditions, choirs, and novenas. On the Feast of the Epiphany, all roads then led to one cathedral, one altar, one Santo Niño.
The long journey of Simbang Gabi finally reached its joyful conclusion.
A river of devotion
In the cathedral basilica, Filipinos from the four counties of the Archdiocese of Newark stood side by side not as separate parish groups, but as one family of faith. The Grand Sinulog Festival became an unofficial yet deeply meaningful celebration of Christmas itself – a final, joyful embrace of the season that reminded everyone that Christmas does not end with decorations coming down, but with hearts brought together.
From the earliest moments, joy filled the air. Families arrived carrying their beloved Santo Niño images, some crowned and clothed in regal garments, others small, simple, and lovingly worn by time.
The liturgy opened with Sinulog procession, led by the Sinulog Dancers from the Servants of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, and dancers from the Bergen County group. Wearing embroidered costumes and ornate headdresses, they moved with grace and reverence. As the rhythmic beating of drums and the traditional Sinulog music filled the sacred space, the ancient chant of devotion seemed to rise once more in a cry of trust, surrender, and praise: Pit Señor!
Hundreds from the congregation joined the procession, transforming the cathedral aisle into a river of devotion that flowed toward the altar with joy and unity.
Light in the darkness
Auxiliary Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau, regional bishop for Hudson County, presided over the historic celebration. He led the Holy Mass with pastoral warmth and deep reverence, providing a powerful affirmation that the faith, traditions, and devotion of the Filipino community are cherished within the life of the archdiocese.
One of the most hopeful aspects of the celebration was the participation of young people as altar servers, lectors, and prayer leaders. The sight of young Filipinos confidently proclaiming the Word of God and serving at the altar spoke louder than any homily: the faith is alive, and it has a future.
Before the Final Blessing, Bishop Chau walked down the aisle, blessing each Santo Niño image held by the faithful. Smiles widened, eyes filled with tears, and hands lifted higher. Children beamed with pride. Adults bowed their heads in quiet awe.
Then, as the first notes of “Gozos de Santo Niño / Bato Balani sang Gugma” were sung, the cathedral lights were slowly turned off. One by one, candles were lit, hundreds upon hundreds, until the vast cathedral glowed with a warm, trembling light — a sign that in the sacred darkness, faith shone bright.
Down the aisle came the Caroza de Santo Niño, an image of the Holy Child Jesus, carried in a slow, reverent procession surrounded by candlelight and song. He seemed to draw every heart toward Him. Voices trembled. Some broke into tears, while others lifted their candles higher, all united in love and devotion. Time seemed to stand still. It was a moment of grace so profound that words could barely contain it.
The 3rd Grand Sinulog Festival revealed the soul of a people, proclaiming that the Filipino faith, carried across seas and generations, continues to dance, sing, and shine. It served as a reminder that the Santo Niño born in Bethlehem still gathers His people, healing hearts and drawing generations together.
To view more images from the Sinulog celebration at the cathedral, click HERE.
Father JM Manolo A. Punzalan is the pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Mahwah and director of the Archdiocese of Newark’s Filipino Apostolate.
Featured image: Worshippers carry Santo Niño figures in a procession during the Filipino Apostolate’s Sinulog celebration at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ, on Jan. 4, 2026. (Photos by Lino Ongteco)
