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A CALL TO HUMBLE DISCIPLESHIP: THE 9TH DAY NOVENA OF NAZARENO 2026

Jan. 12, 2026 02:40 PM

Quiapo Manila- January 8, 2026
The spiritual journey toward Nazareno 2026 reached a significant milestone on its ninth day as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno (Quiapo Church) welcomed Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D. D., the Archbishop of Caceres. Marking his first time presiding over the Novena Mass in this historic sanctuary, the Archbishop delivered a poignant homily that bridged the gap between the suffering of Christ and the daily struggles of the faithful.

In his homily, drawn from the Gospel Luke 4:18-31, Archbishop Alarcon reflected on Jesus return to Nazareth. Despite proclaiming the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring glad tidings to the poor and liberty to the captives, Jesus faced rejection. “He was a Prophet who was not welcomed in his own town,” the Archbishop noted. He reminded the congregation that the path of true follower of Jesus often involves misunderstanding and isolation, much like the experience of Jesus Nazareno Himself.

Archbishop Alarcon challenged the devotees to look closely at what they observe when they visit Quiapo. Beyond the crowds and the commerse, he emphasized that Quiapo is a Sanctuary for the abandoned and the hopeless.

To those feeling discourage or forsaken, his message was clear: Jesus Nazreno is always with us. He serves as the “Suffering Servant,” a figure who does not offer empty arguments but provides assurance through tenderness and love. Connecting the Gospel to the Traslacion 2026 theme- “Dapat Siyang Tumaas , at ako Nama’y Bumaba” ( He must increase, but I must decrease)- the Archbishop highligtened the essence of Christian service:

Himility and Service: Like Jesus, we are called to be ready to serve and, if necessary, to suffer for God’s glory.

Strength in Weakness: It is our moments of greatest vulnerability that the Grace of Jesus is most present.

The Suffering Servant: By emptying ourselves of pride, we allow the light of Jesus Nazarene to shine more brightly through our actions.

The 9th Novena served as a powerful reminder that our faith is not found in triumph alone, but in the quiet endurance of the “Suffering Servant.”

 

 

Alvin T. Tomagos / EMHC Quiapo Church