Santo Niño, El Capitán General - Old Manila's Beloved Ruler

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Santo Niño, El Capitán General
Within the streets of Plaza del Carmen of Quiapo, Manila where the beautiful all steel Minor Basilica of San Sebastian stands today enshrines two of the most important venerated images that enjoys lavish devotion and Fiesta celebrations of old, the Centuries old Canonically Crowned image of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, a gift from the Discalced Carmelites of Mexico and a centuries old image of the Santo Niño, that was later to be known as the El Capitan General.

The Title

For those who are wondering what does the title "Capitan General" means, the Capitan General is the ruler of the Spanish colony in representation of the King of Spain and the highest government position in the Spanish Colony. With this in mind, it seems that the Child Jesus is the Ruler of All Nations in representation of Our God Almighty, given the prerogative of being the only begotten Son of Our Creator.

The image

The image of the El Capitan is that of a 2ft. wooden image of the Child Jesus raising his left hand in a gesture of blessing and a Globus Cruciger on the right, The image wears the military gala uniform of the Capitan General in the style of Philippine governor general of the 1800s: the tricorn hat, frock coat, sash, pantaloons, a sword and boots of the Napoleonic era basically from the time of King Carlos IV.

History

The image of the Holy Child brought over from Spain in the 17th century enjoyed a cult of the elite, it was so prestigious that it was granted, from Madrid, the title of "Capitán General de Filipinas". The honors due to a viceroy (like the salute by cannon) were rendered whenever this Sto. Niño known as "El Capitán General" made public appearance. The Niño apparently also enjoys the privilege of receiving the honorarium that is also equal to the actual Governador General's

The War Years and exile

The prestige of the devotion to the El Capitan was put to a halt with the devastation of World War II yet the church was slightly damaged. The image of the Child was kept first in the convento of the Recoletos until it was later moved to the Recollect Museum in Tandang Sora, Quezon City for years,

On the left, the Pre- War photo of the Sto. Niño, El Capitan
in his retablo and the present photo of the Niño in his retablo
during his re-enthronement in 2014.
However, the Recollects did not allow the Capitan to be left in oblivion. The image was first brought out and enthroned in his home - the San Sebastian Church - for the novena and for the Feast of the Santo Niño - Third Sunday of January in 2013.

 The Return Home

After some years, with the efforts of the faithful and the Augustinian Recollect Order to restore the devotion to the El Capitan, in September 6, 2014, the image was solemnly re-enthroned to his altar for the veneration of the faithful. Several faithful came in attendance to witness this clandestine part of Philippine Church history. Pilgrims now gave honor due to the Capitan like what he enjoyed centuries ago and miracles continue to happen up to this day Today, the Capitan have two processions, his own Liturgical Feast day on the Third Sunday of January and one on the Feast of San Sebastian, the titular patron of the Basilica.

We will end this blog entry to the history of Santo Niño, El Capitán General with a prayer that was recited on the day of his historic return to San Sebastian Church which is very timely with our current political upheavals that is dividing the nation and the world and imploring for his help and mercy:

O Lord Jesus Christ, you have chosen your infancy known to our people, in this image of Senor Santo Nino, El Capitan General to introduce the faith of our nation and since this statue arrived to our shores, you have reigned in our land and in our hearts.

Senor Santo Nino, El Capitan General you have become the symbol of our beliefs and the sources of our inspiration. Your crown has been our protection and your scepter has guided us through the political storms and social upheavals. Your mantle has been our protection and gesture of your hand has brought consolation to our troubled hearts.

Senor Santo Nino, El Capitan General, you have been proclaimed Patron of the Philippines and Commander in Chief of its armies. But your Kingdom is not in this world, and your armies are but the faithful of our nation, the young and the old, the healthy and the sick, the rich and the poor, united by the same faith, called to be part of your Kingdom in heaven.

Your childhood, O Lord, proclaimed in this image, has attracted out people in a special way, because we feel more confident to win your favors when we pour out our anxieties and misfortunes, our joys and our sorrows. Your smiling countenance is an assurance of forgiveness to the sinner and of approval to the virtues. Rule, therefore over our land with its many islands , over our people with their many cultures and make us a nation according to your will. Inspire us, watch over us and protect us from the evils of social justice; and keep our families and our parish united with the common bonds of faith and love.

Dear Santo Nino, El Capitan General, we proclaim you today the special protector and king of our parish, our homes in the presence of the devotees gathered here around this parish. As our king, we offer you a throne in this parish and in our home too and in the sanctuary in our hearts

We have a king, to whom we willingly submit ourselves. We know his special command: "Love one another as I have loved you." and the reception of the sacraments. His officers and representatives before the people are the bishops and priests. Our Parish and our homes are sparks of your kingdom, but we make it a stronghold of faith, a garden of peace, the center of our life. Amen

 Santo Nino, El Capitan General, pray for us and for our country!

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