MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the nation in observing the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Thursday as he called for reflection on the “immense power and compassion of God.”
In his message, Marcos pointed out how the historic tradition “allows us to find harmony in our faith as a people.”
“Truly, the carrying of the Black Nazarene and His own cross reminds us of the great sacrifice our Lord and Savior went through in His life. Moreover, it also speaks of the immense power and compassion of God who walks with us and hears
our prayers, especially in our time of need,” he said.
“This colossal gathering of Filipinos in the streets of Manila is a testament to our
people’s solidarity and camaraderie,” he added.
The President further stated that the annual celebration should always be a reminder for every Filipino to serve the nation and their countrymen with the same spirit of hope and peace that the Black Nazarene embodies.
“Let us remember that we are all called to hurdle the challenges that test our resolve with faith and grace as well as to reach out to those around us who need our kindness and empathy. May this day fortify every devotee who joins the procession –whether in person or in spirit – a deeper bond with the Almighty and a higher purpose in serving others,” he said.
“I am confident that we are able to epitomize the example of the Nazarene in our daily works in this world as hope bearers, peacemaker. and builders of society who will change their respective communities with one good deed of a time. I wish everyone a meaningful celebration,” he concluded.
Malacañang declared the Feast of the Black Nazarene, Jan. 9, as a special non-working holiday.
‘Symbol of deep faith’
In her message, Vice Resident SaraDuterte said that the Black Nazarene was a “manifestation that we will never face the challenges that come our way alone — because God is constantly guiding us, walking with us, and carrying the cross for us on the way to salvation,.”
“Our devotion to the Black Nazarene is a testament to our profound trust in God’s miracles that have become the spring that gives us the strength, courage, and the inspiration to be resilient as we hold fast to our faith and overcome the challenges coming our way,” Duterte said.
She urged Filipinos to pray for healing, wisdom, and guidance as “we renew our faith in prayer and contemplation of our mission as God’s children,”.
Meanwhile, Romualdez said that the feast of the Black Nazarene was a “symbol of deep faith of every Filipino,”
“The yearly Traslacion reminds us of the importance of faith and unity as a nation. Our devotion is a mirror of the strength of our faith, ” Romualdez said.
Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula presided over the Misa Nazareno, delivering a stirring homily centered on the twin pillars of Christian devotion: hope in Jesus and obedience to His will.
Cardinal Advincula’s homily resonated with the faithful as he underscored the life-giving power of hope rooted in Jesus. Reflecting on the start of the Jubilee Year of Hope, he shared an uplifting reinterpretation of a popular Filipino adage.
“We Filipinos have a saying, ‘While there is life, there is hope.’ Do you believe in that? The Beloved Lord teaches us something even greater: instead of ‘while there is life, there is hope,’ he said.
This perspective, he said, emphasized that hope precedes and sustains life, making it an essential gift from Jesus that nourishes the soul.
Cardinal Advincula called on devotees to reflect on their relationship with Jesus Nazareno, urging them to deepen their faith through acts of obedience.
“We are true devotees, if we truly love the Black Nazarene, let us be obedient to Him. Let us imitate Him, who was obedient to the Father even unto death,” he said in Filipino.
He highlighted Jesus’ humility and unwavering submission to the will of God, encouraging the faithful to emulate these virtues in their own lives.
The Cardinal emphasized that true hope was found in following the teachings and example of Jesus Nazareno. He assured the faithful that such hope never falters.
“There is only one who brings hope that does not fail: the Beloved Lord Jesus of Nazareth. So, let us follow Him. Let us live out His commandments. Let us take His teachings to heart),” he urged.
The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Rufino Sescon, Bishop-Elect of Balanga, Bataan, who serves as the Rector and Parish Priest of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno. Clergy from the Archdiocese of Manila and neighboring dioceses also joined the Mass.
Devotees braved the early hours, with the Nazareno Operation Center reporting an estimated 230,000 attendees at the Quirino Grandstand by 4 a.m., while 16,700 gathered at Quiapo Church.
The 2025 celebration carried the theme: “Mas mabuti ang pagsunod kaysa paghahandog sa mga umaasa kay Hesus” (Samuel 15:22).
