Magellan’s Cross and Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu

The site of Magellan\’s Cross, Colegio del Sto. Nino and Plaza Sugbu as seen on the D. Jakosalem St. entrance

“Cebu City is the most religious place in the whole Philippines.” I remember those words uttered by our tour guide Kuya Renz when we had our Cebu City tour during college.

He gave examples to prove his statement. One, Cebu City celebrates Sinulog Festival in honor for Sto. Niño, a young Jesus Christ and two, first Catholic baptism happened in Cebu. Portuguese and Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan baptized Rajah Humabon and his men in 1521. This marked the beginning of Philippine Christianity. I don’t know if Kuya Renz’s proof was wrong or correct. One thing for sure, Cebu City has many landmarks that capture early Catholicism. One of the famous landmarks is the Magellan’s Cross.

The cross of made of Tindalo Wood and the paintings on the ceiling.

Visitors often don\’t forget to take a picture of themselves. I am sure the girl would post her picture in Facebook.

A closer look of the paintings on the ceiling. It somehow illustrates how the Spaniards introduce Roman Catholicsm to Filipinos.

According to them, Magellan’s Cross is a symbol of Cebu. It was planted last April 1521. The current cross is made of Tindalo wood in which the original cross is encased. Magellan’s arrival in Cebu City represents the first attempt of Spain to convert Filipinos into Roman Catholics. The story goes that Magellan met with Chief Humabon of the island of Cebu, who had an ill grandson. Magellan (or one of his men) was able to cure or help this young boy, and in gratitude Chief Humabon allowed 800 of his followers to be ‘baptized’ Christian in a mass baptism. Later, Chief Lapu Lapu of Mactan Island killed Magellan and routed the ill-fated Spanish expedition. (Source: http://www.seasite.niu.edu/crossroads/russell/christianity.htm)

So I recently visited Magellan’s Cross and Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu Pilgrimage Center. It was Sunday so there were many people. Magellan’s cross is always written in Philippine history books. I first knew the place during my grade 2 elementary days while learning the subject called Sibika at Kultura. The subject was interesting back then. I only saw the pictures on books. And now, I literally can’t believe that I was on the actual site and was able to take a picture of the said place.

The Plaza Sugbu from P. Burgos St. entrance

The cross at the top of the structure.

The woman who would help you pray in front of the cross wears in white and yellow dress. They would come at you to sell candles.

Another view of the site structure

The people passing and praying

The candles and flowers displayed on the base of the cross

The crowd of Sugbu Park

People attending the Catholic mass in Basilica Minore del Santo Nino? Pilgrimage Center

Another group of people attending the mass

People who don\’t have enough time to attend the mass just prays here.

The steady and moving people inside the pilgrimage center

The structure may looks like one in St. Peter Square but this is in Cebu City.

Thank you guys for visiting!