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BISHOP RUFINO C. SESCON JR., D.D. LEADS MISA CONCELEBRADA IN QUIAPO

Oct. 25, 2025 03:40 PM

On October 17, 2025, a Concelebrated Mass was held at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, presided over by the Most Reverend Rufino C. Sescon Jr., D.D. It has been eight months since Bishop Sescon was transferred to the Diocese of Balanga in Bataan, yet he continues to schedule and celebrate Mass in Quiapo once a month.

However, like any other mass he presides, this particular celebration was extra special. Because priests from the Diocese of Balanga, who hold a special place in his heart, joined him in concelebrating the Mass. This mass marked the final day of the Annual Clergy Updating: Clergy Dialogue and Discernment Fellowship of the Balanga clergy. Fifty-five priests concelebrated the Eucharist as an act of praise, thanksgiving, and offering to Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno.

In his homily, Bishop Jun began with a story about his journey to Quiapo. He shared how excited he always feels whenever he prepares to travel to the church. As he approaches Avenida, he sees buses and jeepneys bearing the sign “Quiapo.” He humorously noted that even though the drivers and barkers shout “Quiapo! Quiapo!” loudly, we passengers still ask, “Does this go to Quiapo?” We always make sure that the destination we are in is correct.

He related this to our spiritual life, saying that our desire to reach the Quiapo church mirrors our journey toward heaven. He explains “We are citizens of heaven,” he reminded everyone, adding that every journey to Quiapo—or any church—is ultimately a journey to heaven. Because of this, our journey of life must be meaningful and purposeful, as our true home is in heaven.

Reflecting on the image of Jesus Nazareno, Bishop Sescon said that the Lord, while carrying the cross, looks upward to the Father, He did not bow despite the hardship—a symbol of hope and faith. He said, “The cross, is what helps us reach heaven.”

He encouraged the faithful to start practicing the “language of heaven” here on earth, the language of love, forgiveness, justice, truth, and goodness. By living these values in our daily lives, especially as we carry our own crosses under the guidance of Jesus Nazareno, we make our lives a reflection of heaven. He adds “So that when the time comes and we meet God, He will welcome us, for we have lived on earth as citizens of heaven.”

Bishop Sescon concluded his homily with a heartfelt prayer to Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno, asking for strength and guidance in carrying life’s burdens. He also invited all devotees to pray for the priests of the Diocese of Balanga—that they may receive the grace to continue their priestly mission faithfully, despite the challenges, and keep their zeal for service burning bright.

After the mass, the celebration ended in a fellowship lunch at Pope Benedict Building.

 

Angelyn L. Garcia | Social Communications