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A MOTHER’S PRESENCE, A NATION’S FAITH: Highlights From Balangay National Conference 2025

Nov. 29, 2025 02:58 PM

Pasay, Manila — The Balangay National Conference 2025 commenced its program with the recitation of the Solemn Holy Rosary, setting a tone of faith and compassion for the gathering.

The program proper opened with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by the procession of the estandardes representing various balangays from across the country. Presidents of the different balangays assembled before the image of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno, while the Kababaihan proceeded to the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.

Poong Jesus Nazareno united the devotees during the National Conference as they prepared themselves for the upcoming Nazareno 2026 celebration. The National Balangay Conference also coincided with the observance of Red Wednesday, a day dedicated to remembering the persecution of Christians around the world. Rev. Fr. Jade Licuanan, parish rector of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno (Quiapo Church), presided over the Holy Eucharistic Celebration. In his homily, he emphasized the importance of compassion among devotees. “‘Yung mga ‘di makakita sa Traslación—sa prusisyon ng Mahal na Poong Jesus Nazareno—huwag nating takpan habang ipiniprusisyon,” he said.

He reminded devotees to remain considerate of one another, especially as the theme for Nazareno 2026 focuses on humility: “Dapat Siyang Tumaas at Ako naman ay Bumaba” (John 3:30). He highlighted that many devotees cannot come near the image of Jesus Nazareno and are simply present to catch a glimpse of Him.

“Let us always look after the weak, the poor, the abused. ‘Yan po ang kailangan natin—not just as a Church but bilang isang bayan,” he added. Rev. Fr. Jade Licuanan explained why the image of Jesus Nazareno is depicted looking upward. According to him, Jesus looks up because He is rising despite the challenges, the wounds, the betrayal, the abandonment, and the pain of being separated from His Mother. He looks upward because He believes there is hope. Mary, he added, is the model of devotion — the true reflection of what it means to be a good devotee and a faithful disciple.

“Alam mo, Father? No’ng dumating at papalapit sa San Sebastian at dumungaw ang Mahal na Birheng Maria, kinilabutan ako. ‘Yung ingay, unti-unting nawala; ‘yung galaw ng tao, biglang naging payapa,” he shared. A mother’s presence is truly unique. It brings comfort and peace, and in a mother’s hands we feel most secure. In Mary, we find our unity. This is the power of Mary — the power of a mother.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       John Levi Frigillana / HDN Central