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Pope Leo: Appreciate sacrament of baptism, perform charity

The Philippine Star

January 19, 2026

Pope Leo XIV extended his greetings for the celebration of the Feast of the Sto.

- By EVELYN MACAIRAN

Niño, expressing hope that the feast would help the Catholic faithful have a greater appreciation and understanding of the sacrament of baptism that made them God's children.In a Facebook post, the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu yesterday posted the message of Pope Leo, dated Jan. 5, that was sent through Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on the occasion of the 461st Feast of the Pit Señor Sto. Niño.

"Guided by the theme of 'In Sto. Niño we are one,' the Holy Father prays that this feast will once again be an opportunity to grow in appreciation of the sacramental grace of baptism that incorporates us into Christ, and thus makes us children of God and members of his Church," the Vatican said in the message.

The pontiff hopes that by having a deeper understanding of the sacrament of baptism, the people would be moved to perform acts of charity and mercy especially to those in need.

This story is from the January 19, 2026 edition of The Philippine Star.

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