Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno

EVERY DEVOTEE, A CATECHIST: A CALL TO LEAD OTHERS TO JESUS NAZARENO

Sep. 26, 2026 11:32 AM

On Tuesday evening, September 22, 2026, parish servants and members of various parish ministries and organizations together with devoted parishioners and Devotees of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, gathered at Quiapo Church for the Parish-Wide Monthly Formation. ‎ ‎

More than just a regular gathering, the formation became an opportunity for everyone to deepen their faith, reflect on their mission as devotees and servants, and, most importantly, grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Nazareno. ‎

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For this month’s formation, Ms. April Baybayon, a Catechist from the Diocese of Cubao, served as the guest speaker. Her reflection centered on the theme “Every Devotee, a Catechist.” ‎

‎In her message, she reminded the faithful that devotion is not measured only by the number of prayers we offer, the number of years we have been devotees, or how often we come to church. True devotion also carries with it a responsibility and a mission—to share our faith and lead others closer to Christ. ‎ ‎

To Listen Is to Love

One of the most meaningful reminders from the formation was: ‎ ‎

“To listen is to love. You cannot love what you do not know, and you cannot follow unless you love.” ‎

‎These simple words remind us of the importance of continually listening and getting to know Jesus. ‎ ‎

We cannot truly love someone if we do not make an effort to know them. In the same way, being a true follower of Christ requires us to listen to His Word and allow ourselves to be continually formed as His disciples. ‎

‎Devotion Comes with a Mission ‎

‎The formation also left the faithful with an important question: ‎ ‎How many people have we brought closer to God? ‎ ‎Our faith is not simply about how long we have been devotees. It is not only about the blessings we have received or the prayers we continue to entrust to Jesus Nazareno. ‎‎We are also invited to ask ourselves: ‎ ‎Have I brought a family member closer to God? Have I helped a friend return to the Church? Have I inspired someone to rediscover their faith?‎Because a devotion that truly comes from the heart does not remain within oneself. It naturally seeks to be shared. ‎ ‎

Every Devotee Can Be a Catechist ‎ ‎

Being a catechist is not limited to those who formally teach the faith. ‎‎In our homes, workplaces, schools, communities, and even in our simplest encounters with others, we can show what it means to follow Jesus. ‎

‎Through our words. ‎

Through our patience.

‎Through our forgiveness.

‎Through our service.

‎Through the way we treat others. ‎

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The life of a devotee can become a living catechesis. ‎ ‎

Not Only Carriers of the Image, but Bearers of the Message. ‎ ‎

For the Hijos del Nazareno and all devotees of Jesus Nazareno, this formation offered an important reminder: we do not simply carry the sacred image of Jesus Nazareno during processions. ‎ ‎

We also carry His message. ‎ ‎

Through every act of service, every sacrifice, every helping hand, and every opportunity to lead someone closer to God, we continue the mission of being disciples of Christ. ‎ ‎

A true devotee does not only know how to kneel before the Nazareno. ‎ ‎A true devotee also knows how to stand, serve, witness, and lead others toward Jesus. ‎As the formation came to an end, the participants were left with a simple yet profound challenge: ‎

‎If we truly love Jesus Nazareno, let us show that love by bringing others closer to Him. ‎ ‎

May every devotee become a catechist, every servant became a missionary, and every heart become a living witness to the love and mercy of our Jesus Nazareno. ‎ ‎

Every Devotee, a Catechist.

‎Every Devotee, a Missionary.

‎Every Devotee, a Bearer of Christ’s Light. ‎

 

 

 

‎- Marion Allen Albaladejo ‎HDN Central Worship Chair | Quiapo Article Writer