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EIGHT DAY OF NOVENA MASS HONORS ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST WITH A CALL TO HUMILITY AND PERSONAL CONVERSION

Jun. 29, 2026 04:30 PM

QUIAPO, MANILA, Philippines — June 22, 2026 — The faithful gathered at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno for the Eight Day of the Novena Mass in preparation for the Solemnity of St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of Quiapo Church. The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Roy Belen, Cluster Coordinator of the Commission on Social Communications and President and Chief Executive Officer of Radio Veritas 846.

Drawing inspiration from the life and mission of St. John the Baptist, Fr. Belen emphasized in his homily the importance of humility, self-examination, and ongoing conversion. He reminded the congregation that while Christians are called to guide and correct one another in charity, they must never forget their own need for growth and transformation.

Addressing the faithful, Fr. Belen shared these profound words:

“Sa tuwing ikaw ay magtutuwid, magpapaalala ng iyong kapwa sana ang iyong sarili ay huwag mo ring kakalimutan. Iyong sabihin: ‘Ako rin ay kailangan magbago.’ ‘Ako rin kailangan maging mas mabuti.’ ‘Ako rin kailangan maging malapit sa ating Panginoon.’ Huwag nawang mangyari na tayo bilang tao, para maramdamang importante tayo, manghamak tayo ng iba, hindi po iyan ikatutuwa ng ating mahal Poong Nazareno.”

The homily echoed the very spirit of St. John the Baptist, who faithfully proclaimed repentance while remaining humble before God. Known as the precursor of Christ, St. John consistently pointed others not to himself but to the Lord, teaching that true greatness comes from surrendering one’s pride and allowing God to work through one’s life.

Fr. Belen further encouraged the faithful to avoid attitudes of self-righteousness and judgment. Instead, he called on everyone to cultivate humility, recognizing that all people are sinners in need of God’s mercy. He stressed that authentic Christian discipleship is rooted not in condemning others but in accompanying them with compassion while continually striving for personal holiness.

As the novena continues, devotees of St. John the Baptist and the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno are invited to deepen their prayer life, reflect on their relationship with God, and embrace the call to conversion. The celebration serves as a reminder that the path toward holiness begins with acknowledging one’s own shortcomings and opening one’s heart to God’s transforming grace.

As the Church draws nearer to the Solemnity of St. John the Baptist, may the faithful continue to reflect on his example of humility, courage, and unwavering faith. His life reminds us that the call to repentance begins within ourselves before it is shared with others. May the words of Fr. Roy Belen inspire every devotee to seek daily conversion, to treat others with compassion and respect, and to grow ever closer to Christ. Through the intercession of St. John, the Baptist and under the loving guidance of our beloved Poong Nazareno, may we become instruments of God’s mercy, proclaiming not our own greatness but the saving love of the Lord.

 

 

 

 

-Gerald Lim | Article Writer Coordinator, SOCOM-Quiapo