PHOTOS BY AJ PACULLO
THE POWER of faith and prayer, combined with perseverance, often leads to extraordinary blessings. This belief is exemplified by the experiences of several devotees of Señor Santo Niño, who credit their devotion with profound transformations in their lives. These are their inspiring stories of hope, resilience, and miracles.
A Grandmother’s Prayer Answered
For over 30 years, Janete Aguilar-Napacia, 63, a resident of Barangay Boulevard in Molo, Iloilo City, has been a devoted follower of Señor Santo Niño. Her journey of faith began in her childhood and has since grown into an enduring commitment. Despite living far from the San Jose Parish Church in Plaza Libertad, Janete consistently attends novenas and Masses to express her gratitude for countless blessings.
Early this month, her faith was tested when her newborn grandchild faced serious health issues after an overdue birth. As her family waited anxiously, Janete turned to Señor Santo Niño, fervently praying during the novena.
Miraculously, just days into her prayers, she received the news she had been hoping for: her grandchild had recovered and was ready to be discharged from the hospital earlier than expected.
“I requested to touch the image of Señor Santo Niño to give thanks. That night, my daughter-in-law texted me that they could go home sooner. It’s a miracle,” Janete shares, her eyes brimming with gratitude.
Through the years, Janete has experienced similar interventions, often receiving unexpected financial aid just when she needed it most.
“Even when times are tough, I run to the church because I know He never abandons me,” she says.
A Life Transformed Through Service
Rosemarie Tobiano, 64, from Mandurriao district, has also witnessed the transformative power of faith.
A devotee for nearly 30 years, Rosemarie vividly recalls a time when she was overwhelmed by debt and family responsibilities. Feeling hopeless, she turned to Señor Santo Niño for guidance.
“Back then, I had nowhere to turn. I prayed hard, and little by little, my problems were solved,” she recounts.
Grateful for her answered prayers, Rosemarie vowed to dedicate her life to serving Señor Santo Niño. She now volunteers tirelessly at San Jose Parish during the annual feast, performing tasks like washing dishes and cleaning floors.
Her faith not only uplifted her but also enabled her to see her three children through college. Today, they are successful professionals — a nurse, a medical technologist, and a seaman.
Rosemarie also witnessed the blessings extend to her friends, two of whom conceived children after years of infertility following her encouragement to pray to Señor Santo Niño.
“I promised to serve Him until my last breath,” Rosemarie says with conviction.
Blessings After Years of Waiting
For Lilia Ang, 69, also from Mandurriao, devotion to Señor Santo Niño has been a lifelong journey. As an alumna of San Jose Parochial School, she grew up with a deep connection to the Holy Child. However, it wasn’t until later in life that her faith was truly tested.
After five years of marriage, Lilia and her husband were still childless, despite countless prayers. When she finally conceived, their joy was short-lived as their firstborn tragically passed away. It took another five years and a difficult pregnancy before she gave birth to a healthy child. Eventually, they were blessed with a second baby.
“It was a challenging journey, but He never failed me,” Lilia reflects.
Her experiences strengthened her devotion, inspiring her to serve at San Jose Parish and remain an active participant in the feast day celebrations.
Faith and Miracles
The stories of Janete, Rosemarie and Lilia show the profound impact of faith in Señor Santo Niño. Devotees like them embody the enduring belief that steadfast prayer and devotion can lead to miraculous outcomes. Whether through healing, financial aid, or family blessings, they attribute their triumphs to the intercession of the Holy Child.
Their journeys remind us that miracles can happen — not just through divine intervention, but also through the steadfast faith and actions of those who trust in something greater than themselves.
For these devotees, Señor Santo Niño is hope and a source of strength in life’s most challenging moments./PN
