Simple vendor, turned devotee of Jesus Nazareno

In one of the most famous churches in the Philippines, where the Catholic faith is deeply expressed, a vendor was converted into a devotee of the Jesus of Nazarene at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, more commonly known as Quiapo Church.

Quiapo is one of the busiest areas in Manila, home to many of the poor Filipinos, beggars, and street vendors, with the noise of passing vehicles adding to its bustling atmosphere around the church.

Erica, a vendor from Taguig City, has dedicated herself to sharing faith and kindness through her devotion to Jesus Nazareno. Her story began with a simple act of compassion that revealed the power of sincere prayer and strengthened her connection to her faith.

Erica’s devotion started when she arrived in Quiapo as a vendor. She recalls meeting an elderly woman who was crying because she had not seen her child in a long time. Wanting to help, Erica suggested that the woman may try to attend the “Pahalik” or kissing of the image of the Jesus of Nazarene, bring a dozen white roses, offer it, and pray wholeheartedly.

A few days later, the woman returned to Erica, sharing that her child had come back home. This experience left a deep impression on Erica. “That’s when I became a devotee,” she says.

“Through that experience, I saw the Nazareno’s presence not just in my life but in others’ lives too.”

Since then, Erica has relied on her faith, especially during challenging times. She shares how her devotion became her source of strength after her father left their family and, later, when her mother passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Everything I prayed for, He granted,”

Erica says. “Even when my mother passed, I was able to move forward because I held onto Him.”

Erica is passionate about sharing her devotion with others, encouraging them to experience the same faith that has carried her through life. “Devotion comes from the heart, not blood,” she explains. “I pass this on to my friends and group members to help them understand that it’s not just about having your prayers answered or being healed, it’s about offering something to Jesus Nazareno.”

For Erica, this offering takes the form of a tradition she facilitates called “pa-Caridad,” where food is distributed to people on the streets during the Feast Day of Jesus Nazareno. “This is the one day He asks for in a year,” Erica says, “and I want to give it to Him because He has given us so much more.”

She even said that she will continue doing “caridad” until her last breath, offering service to her fellow devotees, especially those who carry the image of Jesus Nazareno during processions.

Erica believes that her fellow devotees also help carry their prayers. To all devotees, Erica offers words of encouragement: “Wherever He places you, stay there. He will take care of you and never abandon you. Even if it’s not a feast day, even if it’s just a Friday or Sunday Mass, as long as you come to Him, He will always be there for you.”

Erica’s story reminds us that faith, when shared with sincerity and action, has the power to inspire and uplift not just individuals but entire communities. Through her devotion to Jesus Nazareno, Erica continues to be an example of how faith can transform lives.