A Walk with Faith

Even though my schedule was packed, I am truly grateful that I was still able to stop by the Sto. Niño Church and walk around. My usual schedule for visiting the church is every Friday, but since I was already nearby earlier, I decided to take a walk inside the church. I offered a short prayer, and that moment really brought me comfort and peace.

For the longest time, I had never tried what we call “sinug” — the prayer ritual where someone prays over you. It’s like receiving a personal blessing from another person who sincerely prays for your intentions, your well-being, and the well-being of your family. Today, I grabbed the opportunity to finally experience it. I felt that since I was already there and going through a lot of responsibilities these days, it was a perfect moment to try something new spiritually.

During the prayer over, I felt such a comforting and calming presence. It’s a beautiful experience to have someone pray for you with genuine care. The feeling is different — it’s like an embrace of warmth and spiritual reassurance. It makes you feel supported, not only by the person doing the prayer but also by God, knowing that someone is asking for blessings on your behalf. In the picture I shared, the woman praying over me is Nanay, the one who did the “sinug” for me earlier. She prayed with so much sincerity that it touched my heart.

After the prayer over, I also offered a candle and said another personal prayer before leaving the church. Lighting a candle always feels meaningful — it’s a simple act, yet it symbolizes hope, faith, and gratitude. It’s my way of surrendering my worries and trusting God to guide me throughout the day.

I want to share this because sometimes, in the middle of our busy schedules, we forget to pause and reconnect with our spiritual side. Today reminded me how important it is to take a moment to breathe, reflect, and ask for guidance. Even a short visit to a sacred place can refresh the soul and give renewed strength to continue with whatever we need to accomplish.

If you ever find yourself in Cebu for a vacation or even for a short visit, I really encourage you to stop by the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and take a walk around the church. It’s one of the most cherished and historical places here in Cebu. Before you begin your tours, adventures, or travel plans, take a moment to visit the church. Ask for blessings so that your trip will be safe, peaceful, and filled with good memories.

-The Cross of Magellan-

The atmosphere in Sto. Niño Church is truly unique. Many people go there not only to pray for their needs but also to show gratitude for blessings they have already received. You will see people lighting candles, praying silently, touching the image of the Santo Niño, or participating in the “sinug.” Whether you are religious or simply someone who appreciates meaningful cultural experiences, visiting the church is something I highly recommend. It brings a sense of calm, hope, and grounding that can really uplift your day.

Today’s walk reminded me again of how important faith is in navigating daily life. Even when we are busy, overwhelmed, or preoccupied with responsibilities, it’s comforting to know that we can always pause and seek guidance. The prayer over I received made me feel lighter, more grounded, and more hopeful about the days ahead. It was a beautiful reminder that God listens, and that blessings often come in simple, quiet moments.

So that was my Wednesday walk filled with a meaningful and heart-warming spiritual experience. I’m grateful for the moment of peace I found and the opportunity to reconnect with my faith. I hope all of you are having a wonderful and blessed Wednesday as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read and see you on my next blog.