Pope Leo XIV calls for service to the marginalized on Fiesta Señor 2026

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged Catholics to emulate Jesus Christ’s grace and be of service to the marginalized, as Cebu celebrates the 461st Fiesta Señor, or Feast of the Infant Jesus.

In a letter, Vatican’s Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the Pope prays that this year's feast would be an opportunity for Catholics to continue being children of God.

“His hope that you will be inspired by a greater desire to embrace the baptismal call to live a grace-filled life in Christ and in service to your brothers and sisters, especially those on the margins of society, so that you will bear greater witness to Christ's call to unity and reflect the life of charity of the Most Holy Trinity,” Parolin said.

Pope Leo XIV wrote the letter to the Augustinians of the Minor Basilica of Santo Niño in Cebu in celebration of the feast of the Sto. Niño.

Prior to being the 267th Pope, then Robert Cardinal Prevost OSA visited Cebu in 2004 when he was Prior General of the Augustinians.

Over 400 vessels participated in the Sinulog 2026 fluvial procession on Saturday, a tradition where the image of Señor Sto. Niño is brought from Mactan Island back to Cebu City.

On Sunday, the Sinulog 2026 Grand Parade will be held.

Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview Sunday that there are 40 participating tribes and 36 competing contingents.

He added that Sinulog organizers aim to finish the parade by 7 p.m. —KG, GMA Integrated News