Toronto’s Iglesia Filipina Independiente Parish of Holy Child marks 10th Feast Day of Sto. Niño

Toronto’s Iglesia Filipina Independiente Parish of Holy Child marks 10th Feast Day of Sto. Niño

Members of The Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), Parish of the Holy Child in GTA celebrate the Feast
Day of Sto. Niño

A Decade of Devotion

By Leny Rose Simbre

Fr. Dante Coloma, with his Sacristans
(Mar Baluran, Archie Lagundino, Jay Claor, Angelo Asuncion and Leny Simbre serve as Lector in the church service)

TORONTO-The Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), Parish of the Holy Child in Toronto, marked a momentous occasion as it celebrated the 10th-year Feast Day of Sto. Niño with fervor and devotion on January 13, 2024. The event took place at All Saints Kingsway, 2850 Bloor St. West, Etobicoke, M8X 1B2, drawing the entire community together for a day of communal spirit, fellowship, and joyous festivities.

The day commenced with a vibrant dance procession featuring enthusiastic parishioners, vividly displaying their devotion to the Holy Child. Traditional Filipino hymns resonated through the church as the procession, adorned with colorful flowers and images of Sto. Niño, made its way to the altar.

The highlight of the celebration was a solemn Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Dante Coloma, with over a hundred members in attendance despite the challenges posed by a recent snowstorm. The faithful gathered for prayers, hymns, and reflections, focusing on the significance of Sto. Niño in their lives and the importance of demonstrating love through acts of compassion, kindness, justice, and peace. The homily also underscored the value of unity within the community.

A pastoral message from The Rt. Rev. Roberto Pamatmat of the Diocese of Tampa was also read, reflecting on a decade of journeying together in truth and love. The message acknowledged the strengthened unity in spirit, the growth of faith, and the deepening love of God within the community. The bishop expressed gratitude to all members for their active participation, contributions, and ministry in the life and mission of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente.

The celebration also reflected the history of Santo Niño coming to the shores of the Philippines, becoming a significant symbol deeply rooted in the hearts of the Filipino people. The parish in Toronto has carried and continued to celebrate these religious identities and cultural traditions, even in their new home in Canada.

Rogel Tolentino, a layman of the parish, emphasized the deep desire to offer hearts and gratitude during the Feast of Sto. Niño.  He said,  “Sto. Nino symbolizes purity, love, and boundless faith—a representation that guides their era and draws from the deepest parts of their spirit”. Tolentino emphasized Sto. Niño’s gentle gaze is a guide, illuminating the path of faith and reminding the community of eternal blessings.

The event also featured blessings for the children, highlighting the values of innocence, purity, and unwavering faith embodied by the images of Sto. Niño. A sumptuous meal and a program followed the service, where greetings were shared, and musical and dance performances brought the community together in celebration.

#IFICommunity

#UnityInFaith

#Viva Pit Senyor!

The Women of Iglesia Filipina Independiente affectionately known as WIFI, radiantly posed alongside Fr. Dante.

Members of Migrante Ontario in attendance at the event.