Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno Feast declared National celebration in the Philippines

The Feast of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno has officially been declared a National Feast Day in the Philippines, marking a historic milestone in the devotion to the Black Nazarene.

For the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo, this year’s celebration is both unique and momentous.

Basilica Rector and Parish Priest, Balanga Bishop-elect Rufino Sescon Jr., highlighted the significance of this declaration, saying it brings the devotion closer to Filipinos nationwide, particularly those in remote areas.

“This year’s feast is historic because, for the first time, it is not just a feast of Quiapo in Manila but of the entire Philippines—it’s a liturgical feast,” Bishop-elect Sescon emphasized

The Vatican's approval came after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and Quiapo Church submitted a joint request to declare January 9 as a national feast. This aligns with their efforts to officially recognize the basilica as a national shrine.

The declaration allows approximately 5,000 parishes across the country to independently celebrate the feast without direct coordination with Quiapo Church.

While this may decrease the number of devotees traveling to Quiapo, strict security measures remain in place for those participating in the January 9 festivities in Manila.

"Although the celebration is now widespread, we are glad that those who cannot come to Quiapo Church can celebrate locally. However, for many devotees, nothing compares to visiting and praying at the shrine of Jesus Nazareno," bishop-elect Sescon added.

This year’s theme, inspired by 1 Samuel 15:22, is “Masmabuti ang pagsunod kaysa paghahandog sa mga Umaasa kay Jesus” (Obedience is better than sacrifice for those who hope in Jesus). Bishop-elect Sescon urged devotees to express their faith through obedience to ensure an orderly celebration.

“I appeal to the devotees that faith also means obedience. To facilitate a smooth celebration, please refrain from intercepting, blocking, or climbing onto the ‘andas’ (carriage). Let us return to a more organized traditional devotion,” he said.

The festivities officially began on December 31 with novena Masses. On January 2, over a thousand replicas and banners were blessed in a traditional ceremony led by Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown.

The “Pahalik” (kissing of the image) begins on January 7 at the Quirino Grandstand, while Fiesta Masses will commence at 3 PM on January 8 and continue until late evening on January 9, totaling 33 Eucharistic celebrations.

At midnight on January 9, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula will preside over the Misa Mayor at the Quirino Grandstand, followed by the much-anticipated Traslacion, the grand procession that will return the image to its shrine in Quiapo.