Thousands of Filipino devotees celebrate beloved 2026 Feast of the Sto. Nino at Sacred Heart Church
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
More than 2,000 devotees gathered for one of the most anticipated religious celebrations of the Filipino Catholic community in Bahrain, the Feast of the Sto. Niño at the Sacred Heart Church.
For Lorily N. Agustin, faith is best lived and celebrated with family.
The 50-year-old Office Manager at the Property Management Division of Dream Group recently attended the event, together with her husband, Carlo Jose Agustin, and their eightyear-old daughter, Regina Caily Agustin.
Worshippers
The Agustin family was among worshippers who brought their Santo Niño images to the Mass, where they were blessed as a sign of faith and devotion. The gathering reflected both the strong faith of the Filipino community and its vibrant presence in Manama, bringing together families and friends in prayer, thanksgiving, and shared devotion.
The celebration opened with a Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Anthony Almazan, OFM Cap., Spiritual Director of Katolikong Pinoy sa Bahrain.
Devotion
After the Mass, devotees demonstrated their devotion through vibrant parades, lively dances, and heartfelt prayers, filling the celebration with bright costumes, smiling faces, and a shared sense of hope and joy.
People of all ages participated actively, making the event a truly inclusive gathering that fostered both faith and fellowship within the community.
The Hermano and Hermana for this year are Mr. King and Ms. Gabie, together with Ms. Cielo Teresita Layson and Ms. Lolita Cruz.
Gratitude
The Katolikong Pinoy sa Bahrain (KPSB) extended its heartfelt gratitude to them, as well as to all donors and supporters whose generosity made this year’s celebration possible.
The community also acknowledged the invaluable service of previous Hermano and Hermanas — Mr. Marlon and Mrs. Ednalin Gumarang (represented by Mr. Herman and Mrs. Alma Valenzona), Mr. Renne Subido and Mrs. Puralyn Fiel, Engr. Vic John Potot, Ms. Edel Alviz, and Ms. Margie Cristobal, along with all 2025 supporters.
Their devotion and service to the Senior Sto. Niño continue to serve as an enduring source of inspiration for the community. The panel of judges for the Ati-Atihan, Dinagyang, and Sinulog Street Dance competitions included Michael C. Belano, Khadlyn Ramos, Ricardo Advincula, and Cecilia V. Ancheta.
Lumad Bisdakon, a group of 27 members, emerged as the champion in all the street dance categories, followed closely by the Philippine School Bahrain (PSB) cultural group and the All Guardian Bahrain Dance Group. The participating cultural groups offered their talents as a form of prayer while preserving and celebrating Filipino cultural heritage.
Cecilia V. Ancheta, a freelance journalist and member of the panel of judges, remarked that all the performances were impressive, effectively depicting the transition from pagan traditions to Christianity as reflected in their presentations.
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