are particularly expressive. First is the Santo Niño (the Holy Child) imaging the innocence, simplicity, child-like wonder of Christ. While responding to the Filipinos’ natural love for children, the child image of Christ can sometimes foster a one-sided focus which neglects the mature, adult Christ and the demands of responsible discipleship.
A second common image is Hesus Nazareno, picturing the suffering Jesus and inspiring many folk devotional panata. This image of Jesus’ suffering love is very consoling to numberless Filipinos in dire poverty and hardships. Yet, unless it is balanced by the image of the Risen Christ, the Victor over sin and death itself, it can foster a certain self-centered, passive fatalistic attitude that impedes free, creative response to everyday challenges.
A third popular image of Christ, common in jeepneys and tricycles, is the Sacred Heart, whose meek and mild countenance invites like attitudes in his followers. Traditional Filipino courtesy and patience in the face of suffering are thus religiously grounded. But this serene image needs to be related to Christ the Liberator, inspired by his mission to “light a fire on the earth” (Lk 12:49). It is this image of Christ, liberating us both within our personal lives and social structures, that has captured the special attention of many Filipinos today.
Source: 467-468 Cathechism for Filipino Catholics