Have you ever wondered about a place where faith meets community in the heart of Cali? That place is the Parroquia Niño Dios de Belen. This welcoming Christian Catholic parish stands proudly in the Siloe neighborhood. It is on the Avenida de los Cerros.
The Parroquia Niño Dios de Belen is more than just a church. It is a vital part of the community. Parishioners find peace here. They also experience a deep connection to their faith.
Masses are held at Iglesia Niño Dios de Belen. They are at convenient times for the locals. The religious celebrations take place at 6:30 PM from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays services are at 8:00 AM 10:00 AM and 6:30 PM.
The church’s history goes back to December 8 1960. On this day the Episcopal Decree No 16 created the Parroquia Niño Dios de Belén. At the same time Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Chiquinquirá was founded. Before 1960 the territory was part of the Parroquia de San Fernando Rey.
Even earlier around 1942 about 200 families had settled in the neighborhood. They built a small chapel of guadua called Capilla de Siloe. Sebastián Hernández asked Father José Rafael Troconis a Jesuit to send a priest. He wanted the priest to celebrate Sunday Mass. Jesuits provided this service for several years.
Eventually the Capilla de Siloe collapsed. The community then worked to build another chapel. It was to be at the site of the “Horqueta.” On August 24 1951 Bishop of Cali formalized this plan. He created the “Junta Pro Templo del Barrio Belén” in the Parroquia de San Fernando Rey. Finally the chapel was built. It received the name “NIÑO DIOS DE BELÉN.”
Today the Parroquia Niño Dios de Belen continues to serve its community. The church is known for its commitment. It is also known for its beautiful prayers. The church provides clear explanations of religious rituals.
El Niño Dios or Baby Jesus is central to Christmas celebrations in Colombia. Presents are addressed from El Niño Dios. He gives parents the money to buy the presents.
The nine days before Christmas Eve are a special time. Families migrate from home to home. They recite prayers of the Christmas Novena. They sing villancicos or Spanish Christmas songs. Guitars maracas and panderetas accompany the songs. People share buñuelos and natilla after praying and singing.
On Christmas Eve families gather. They bring a dish to share. After everyone arrives they pray and sing the last novena. Children run around. Teenagers roll their eyes but enjoy time with cousins. Adults reminisce about the past. At midnight they exchange gifts. Some go to midnight mass. Others stay over and leave the next day. Christmas Day is spent quietly with family.
The Parroquia Niño Dios de Belen stands as a beacon of faith. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the community. It is a place where everyone can feel welcome and at peace. As you stand here take a moment to appreciate this spiritual haven. Consider the countless lives it has touched. Think about the traditions it upholds. The Niño Dios de Belen is not just a church. It is a home for the soul.