Formally launched in January 2015, the Ministry of Santo Niño was born out of an already existing bible study group based at Sint-Stefanuskerk (Augustinian Fathers), Sint-Margrietstraat, Gent, Belgium. The ministry is named after the Child Jesus for two reasons. First, the original image of the Santo Niño, which reached the Philippines in 1565 through the Magellan expedition, was made in Belgium. It has survived the ravages of time and is presently kept in the Basilica del Santo Niño de Cebu. Second, since the Child Jesus is associated with the Christianization of the Philippines and remains widely and vibrantly venerated by the Filipinos, it is hoped that the ministry composed mostly by Filipino migrants would be able contribute to the Church’s evangelization and mission in Belgium. A replica of the Child Jesus, brought by Fr Paul de Wit, OSA from the PH in 2010, is presently housed in Sint-Stefanuskerk where the Santo Niño mass is held every last Sunday of the month. Aside from the monthly Eucharistic Celebration, the Ministry has a choir which sings regularly in masses and sometimes in cultural events. It likewise organizes bible studies, prayer sessions, and outreaches to the less privileged sectors of society.
