Devotees’ gift to the Santo Papa: A replica of the Señor Santo Niño de Cebu

Pope Francis together with Monsignor Jan Thomas Limchua blessing the replica of the Señor Santo Niño de Cebu. | Photo courtesy of Monsignor Jan Thomas Limchua.

CEBU CITY, Philippines— Devotees of the Señor Santo Niño de Cebu offer a replica of the image as their gift to the Santo Papa.

Nikko Marc and Nikki Luke Ricaplaza, 22, twins,  from Barangay Quiot, Cebu City, feel immense joy upon seeing Pope Francis finally receiving their gift.

Nikko shared with CDN Digital the story behind their gift to Pope Francis.

“It was actually a group effort. My twin and myself made the vestments. It is hand embroidered or “burda-mano.” It’s made of imported metal threads ang silk cloth. Kyle Isidore Donggon, a young artist did the encarna (from the Spanish “encarnar” which means to fleshen). Special ni siya nga ability kay ang “encarnador” mao’y mo apas sa sipyat sa “escultor” or carver (This is a special ability because the “encarnador” is the one who will fix the mistakes of the “eskultor” or carver). For example naay hiwi sa lips, ang encarnador maoy mo bawi ana through painting (For example, if there is something wrong with the way the lips are made the encarnador will fix it through painting). The image itself was donated by Ellis Mendez and James Donell Guinitaran,” said Nikko.

With all the needed things to make the replica look its best, the team was able to finish it in four days.

The group chanced upon Monsignor Jan Thomas Limchua in an exhibit in Cebu City.

It was then they knew they wanted to offer something for Monsignor Limchua who is a member of the papal household, and to the Santo Papa himself.

The replica of the Señor Santo Niño de Cebu from Cebu devotees is presented to Pope Francis by Monsignor Jan Thomas Limchua on February 20, 2021. | Photo courtesy of Monsignor Jan Thomas Limchua.

Pope Francis together with Monsignor Jan Thomas Limchua blesses the replica of the Señor Santo Niño de Cebu. | Photo courtesy of Monsignor Jan Thomas Limchua.

The vestments of the Señor Santo Niño de Cebu given as a gift from devotees to Pope Francis are handmade by the Ricaplaza twins of Barangay Quiot, Cebu City. | Photo courtesy of Monsignor Jan Thomas Limchua

According to the National Quincentennial Committee in a Facebook post, the image the Señor Santo Niño de Cebu will be declared as a national cultural treasure. | Photo courtesy of Monsignor Jan Thomas Limchua.

And just yesterday, February 20, the replica has been presented to Pope Francis by monsignor Limchua himself.

“I think it’s almost everybody’s dream to give a gift to the Pope. The Philippines is celebrating the quincentenary of the arrival of Christianity in our archipelago with that is the arrival of the image of the Santo Niño,” Nikko said.

“We think it’s a wonderful way of celebrating that by giving the Pope a Santo Niño which image became a refuge for our people. I would lovingly remember the late Cardinal Vidal saying “If you touch the Santo Niño, you are touching the Cebuano Culture,” he added.

Read: Nat’l Museum to declare Basilica, image of  Sto. Niño de Cebu as National Cultural Treasures

And according to the National Quincentennial Committee, Republic of the Philippines Facebook post, the said replica will then be declared as a National Cultural Treasure.

It was indeed one of the best gifts a devotee can give to the Señor, that is to make His love and presence be known all around the world.

Pit Señor para sa Santo Papa Kini!

Pit Señor para sa mga deboto kini! /dbs