In the Shadow of the Santo Niño: San Vidal’s Sojourn in Cebu City, 1565–2018

Abstract

This article traces the history of the Catholic martyr, San Vidal, during his long association with Cebu City (1565–2018), in particular as the city’s patron saint. Although San Vidal never gained a popular devotion in Cebu, his promotion was sustained unevenly for over 450 years, frequently in the shadow of Cebu’s most popular deity, the Santo Niño, who was discovered in Cebu by Legazpi on the day assigned to San Vidal: 28 April. San Vidal’s fluctuating promotion is analyzed in close relation to the civil and ecclesiastical institutions that have transformed Cebu since the late sixteenth century.

KEYWORDS: PROMOTION OF CATHOLIC SAINTS • INSTITUTIONS OF FAITH •CEBU HISTORY • SAN VIDAL • SANTO NIÑO • CATHOLIC CHURCH