Holy Holy Child

The Divine Child (i.e. little Jesus) is worshipped in different countries in different ways. We have the Infant of Prague, worshipped not only in the Czech Republic but also in the Philippines since the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan brought a copy of the stature of the Infant of Prague to Cebu. You will hardly find a Filipino home without an image of El Santo Niño providing you with all the blessing which seems to be needed.

Another holy child comes from Italy as Santo Bambino di Ara Coeli. Santo Bambino is of pagan origin and was already worshipped by the Romans. Anyway, the (current) Baby Jesus was carved in the 15th century in Jerusalem and fell over board on its way to Rome. Baby Jesus’ journey ended at Livorno, at the feet of a Franciscan who was awaiting its arrival and the stature now stands in the Church of Santa Maria di Ara Coeli on the Capitoline Hill. Not all miracles last forever because the 15th century carving was stolen in 1994 leaving only a copy (as what we have in Cebu) to the worshippers.

As mentioned above, in the Philippines El Santo Niño seems to be everywhere. Quite a number of churches are named after Santo Niño and statutes, paintings, amulets with Santo Niño can be found throughout the country.

The most interesting ‘amulet’ can be found in the streets of Quiapo (part of Metro Manila) which shows Santo Niño’s right hand blessing while his left hand is holding the globe surmounted by a Cross (see picture on the left). The globe with cross is symbolizing the world and the Child’s Kingship. What the blessing is all about is not quite clear. To me it is also not clear why such a kid (5/6 years old, I guess) is having a stiff dick. There must be something really holy about this child.

Besides this pre puberty miracle I do not understand the meaning of this amulet. In my understanding an amulet is an object that protects a person from trouble. What trouble? Stiff dick, holy (underage) child, globe, cross, blessing…..?

Photo from September 2006.