OLDS — On Jan. 15, the Filipino community in Olds and its neighbouring towns celebrated the "Sinulog," a traditional and religious celebration in honour of the Senior Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus).
The Feast of the Sto. Niño, a religious celebration which is unique to the Philippines, originated there and is normally held the third Sunday in January. The title “Sto. Niño” means “Holy Child.”
More than 100 people, including some non-Filipino Canadians, came to the event, held in St. Stephen's Catholic Church Hall.
The feast started with the prayers (Divine Mercy Chaplet, Sto. Niño prayers and the Holy Rosary) followed by the Philippine national anthem and the Canadian national anthem.
During the program, Father Nilo Macapinlac of Stephen's Catholic Church, gave a welcoming address to the crowd and introduced the event's special guest, Susan Hauck of Vancouver.
Hauck gave heartwarming and real-life testimony about the Holy Child Jesus.
Filipino residents showcased their different varieties of food in the potluck event and a dance troupe from Red Deer performed some traditional dances showcasing Filipino culture.
The celebration was wrapped with the traditional dance and devotees carrying their individual Sto. Niño image.
Participants danced to the Sinulog beat, chanting praises, thanksgiving, and prayers.
Everyone went up in a processional manner to the church and attended the Holy Mass.
