12th Annual Divino Nino Festival
Join us as we celebrate The Word becoming flesh, as a child - the Divine Child!
 |
Saturday, September 5, 20269:00am-3pm
SHRINE OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT3224 County Road 548 | Hanceville, AL 35077
|
 |
Spanish Speaker: Paula Umana
Giving this year’s Spanish talk is international speaker, award-winning author and Hope Ambassador Paula Umaña. A former top-ranked tennis player in Costa Rica and Central America, Paula built her life on perseverance and excellence. After the birth of her fifth child, Paula was diagnosed with CIDP, a neurological disorder that left her completely paralyzed. What could have been a story of defeat became a story of profound faith, courage and triumphant hope. A mother of five and a Catholic woman of deep devotion, Paula lives what she preaches - resilience, joy and a life anchored in the hope of Christ. Her story - from total paralysis to walking again with miraculous leg devices - is intimately linked to her deep devotion to Mary, particularly Our Lady of Lourdes, through whom she received tangible miracles. Paula is also the host of the EWTN television program, “Gifts of Hope,” in which she shares extraordinary testimonies of resilience, healing and the transforming power of faith. By way of her signature authenticity and humor, Paula’s unique message teaches one how to manage suffering, grow stronger through trials and transform pain into purpose. |
Schedule:
9:00am - Concurrent Talks on the Child Jesus in English and Spanish
Confessions Available
10:30am - Rosary with the Poor Clare Nuns
11:00am - Festival Mass, Procession to Divino Nino Statue and Blessing of the Children
12:30pm - Lunch available for purchase and Divino Nino Cake
2:00pm - Eucharistic Healing Service (Holy Hour)
3:00pm - Confessions Available
History of the Festival
The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, while primarily devoted to its namesake, the Holy Eucharist, also has a strong secondary focus - the Divine Child Jesus, which is evident as soon as one steps foot on the grounds. Every visitor must pass the statue of the Child Jesus in the center of the Piazza, holding out His heart to all as they make the long walk up to His Father’s House. Surrounding the pedestal, on which the statue stands, reads the words “and a little Child shall lead them.” The Divine Child is seen again inside the temple, dawned in pink, with His arms reaching up, as if begging to be held, how can one resist His tender, loving gaze.
The Divino Niño is so honored here at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, because He played a key role in why the Shrine stands here today. In 1996, while on a business trip to South America, Mother Angelica visited a Shrine dedicated to the Divino Nino, in Bogota, Columbia. While praying before a statue of the Holy Infant, it appeared to move. “All of a sudden, He turns to me,” Mother Angelica related, “and He says ‘Build me a temple and I will help those who help you.’” And here the Shrine stands, 25 years later, a testament to Matthew 19:26 “For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”
In 2014, the Nuns of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery decided to host a party each year to celebrate the Divino Niño! Since the beginning, the festival has had a Bilingual focus to honor the little Statue in Colombia which spoke to Mother Angelica all those years ago. The date was chosen to be the Saturday closest to the First Sunday of September, The Feast of the Divino Niño. The Festival’s main events center around encounter with the Christ Child Himself through the receiving of his Body & Blood in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and in Adoring His continual presence among us in the Eucharistic Healing Service. The day also includes balloons, cake, and a procession - things the Christ Child and all children (& children at heart) enjoy!
Come to the Temple, find Him in the Temple, and when found, take Him in your arms and never let Him go!
Coming with your family or want to bring a group? Find everything you need to plan your trip on our VISIT page!
Need a place to stay?