A REENACTMENT of the First Baptism in the country was the main highlight of the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines at the Plaza Sugbo, Cebu City on Wednesday, April 14, 2021.
The San Diego Dance Troop led the reenactment.
Actors reenacted the meeting of Ferdinand Magellan and his men and then reigning Cebu chieftain Rajah Humabon and wife, Hara Amihan.
Scenes of the conversion of natives into Catholicism were portrayed.
In 1521, Magellan introduced Christianity among the natives of Cebu. He gave the Santo Niño as a baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, who was later named Queen Juana. The rulers and their 800 subjects were baptized around this time.
Due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, only 700 individuals were allowed to attend the Mass, including church and public officials, Wednesday, April 14.
Ten bishops and National Historical Commission of the Philippines Secretary Rene Escalante were also in attendance.
Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Charles Brown has been tasked to preside over a Mass at 4 p.m.
Malacañang declared Wednesday, April 14, 2021, a special non-working day in Cebu City to give Cebuanos "full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies." (JGS)