Nazareno devotees told: Set aside own interests, uplift the country

Devotees of the Jesus Nazareno on Friday were reminded to set aside their personal interests and care more for the country, especially in the face of suffering and abuses.

Balanga Bishop Rufino Sescon Jr. made the call during the Misa Mayor or midnight Mass at the Quirino Grandstand on Friday for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno.

In his homily, Sescon noted that just as Jesus Nazareno humbled Himself to lift His people, devotees are called to do their part in uplifting the Philippines.

“Bumaba sa sariling interes para sa kabutihan ng lahat. Bumaba sa katahimikan kapag may inaapi na at niloloko. Bumaba sa pagkamanhid upang magmalasakit sa bayan. Bumaba sa kasalanan para sa tunay na pagbabago,” said Sescon, who is the former rector of the Quiapo Church, the home of the image of the Jesus Nazareno.

(Set aside your personal interests for the country’s sake. Speak out when someone is oppressed or deceived. Set aside indifference and care more for the nation. Turn away from sin in exchange for true change.)

Sescon also called out those who refuse to take accountability for their mistakes and urged them to own up to their wrongdoings.

“May mga ayaw bumaba kahit mali na at bistado na, ayaw bumaba kahit pahirap na sa bayan, ayaw bumaba kahit nagdurusa na ang mga mahihirap, ayaw bumaba kahit binabaha at nasisira na ang bayan, at ayaw bumaba kahit hindi karapat-dapat,” the prelate said.

(Some people refuse to admit their wrongdoing even when caught, even if the nation is suffering because of them, even if the poor are suffering, even if there are floods destroying the country, and even if they are not deserving.)

“Tumigil na. Tama na. Maawa na kayo sa taong-bayan. Mahiya naman kayo, bumaba na ng kusa, alang-alang sa awa at pag-ibig,” he added.

(You need to stop. We have had enough. Have pity on our country. Have some shame, step down voluntarily, for the sake of mercy and love.)

For 2026, the Feast of Jesus Nazareno’s theme is “Dapat Siyang Tumaas at Ako nama’y Bumaba,” (He must become greater; I must become less) which is based on the Book of John.

Sescon also called on devotees to avoid getting on the andas or carriage of the image of the Jesus Nazareno, as he reminded them that true devotion is measured by obedience to the Lord.

“Huwag nang mag-pataasan sa andas. Hindi lamang upang pisikal na makita ang Poong Nazareno, sapagkat ang pagbaba natin ay tanda rin na gusto rin nating magmalasakit sa ating kapwa,” he said.

(Please do not climb the andas. Not just to physically see the image of the Jesus Nazareno. But because it is also a sign that we have compassion for our fellow devotees.)

“Ang tunay na deboto ay masusukat kung sino ang tunay na nakikinig kay Hesus na Nazareno at natututo ding iangat ang kapwa, gaya ng Kanyang pagmamahal,” he added.

(A true devotee is measured by how he listens to the Hesus Nazareno and how he learns to uplift others, just like how He loved us.)

The Manila archbishop traditionally presides over the Misa Mayor at the Quirino Grandstand on the day of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno.

This year, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula missed the celebration of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno. He is in Rome for Pope Leo XIV’s first extraordinary consistory or meeting of cardinals from January 7 to 8.

Advincula presided over the fifth novena Mass in honor of the Jesus Nazareno on Sunday, January 4, at the Quiapo Church. — JMA, GMA Integrated News