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FIT FOR A KING: RITUAL OF ‘PABIHIS’ FOR ‘HESUS NAZARENO’

Mar. 17, 2024 02:13 PM

A close-up look on the face of ‘Mayor’ Nazareno image enshrined at the main altar during the first ‘Pabihis’ activity on December 27, 2023 in preparing for the Nazareno 2024 celebration. Photo by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church

QUIAPO, MANILA – The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno holds its annual ‘Pabihis’ (vesting) of the ‘Mayor’ Nazareno image towered on the church’s main altar. The first part is on December 27, 2023, and the second will be on January 6, 2024. This annual vesting ceremony marks preparation for the upcoming Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, 2024.

First row (left to right): Rev. Fr. Mojica delivers his homily and blesses the new set of vestments in garbing the Nazareno image. Second row (left to right): Some Quiapo church staff assisting in vesting the image. Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church

Quiapo Church Parochial Vicar, Rev. Fr. Jonathan Noel Mojica, presides the first of the two Pabihis. In his homily, he emphasizes how God has been seeking us beforehand. From the Gospel that illustrates ‘Zacchaeus’ simple desire to see Jesus,’ Jesus had seen him first. Fr. Mojica says: “God already saw you. Jesus already saw you when you were just looking for Him”. Just like Zacchaeus, who had become repentant and promised to give back four times he collected from the people, this sends the message of transformation and salvation to bring back what is lost:

“Maging bukas tayo para baguhin ni Hesus ang buhay natin” (Let us be open to allow Jesus change our lives). He adds, “Hubugin ni Hesus ang ating pagkatao nang sa buhay natin makita din si Hesus” (Jesus shapes our being completely so that we may be able to see Him in our lives). 

First row (left to right): Rev. Fr. Sescon Jr. blesses the new set of vestments for the Nazareno image this second ‘Pabihis’ on January 6, 2024 & an individual photograph of the cross of ‘Mayor’ Nazareno image. Second row (left to right): A photograph of the ‘potencias’ (three rays of sun), borlas and crown of thorns of the image & some Quiapo church staff assisting in vesting the image. Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church

The second Pabihis is officiated by Basilica & Shrine rector, Rev. Fr. Rufino C. Sescon Jr. Fr. Sescon Jr., begins his homily if people ever would wonder why the Nazarene image is clothed in magnificent garments rather than in filthy, rugged and bloodied clothes when he had carried His cross on the road to Calvary. He adds that some describe the Quiapo devotion as characterized by personal sufferings, which widely appeals to the majority, who experience it daily. However, he shifts this to express that it is often forgotten that at the end path after undergoing all these tribulations is the infinite state of grace and splendor of God:

“Kalakip ng krus, ng koronang tinik, ng mukha ng nagdurusa, ang maringal na damit, tatlong potencias sa kanyang ulo; may pagdurusa, may paghihirap pero naanigan na rin natin kay Hesus Nazareno ang tagumpay ng muling pagkabuhay.” (Attached this cross, the crown of thorns, His agonizing face, the magnificent garments, and the three rays of crown on His head; there is indeed suffering in His passion, yet it also reflects the triumph of His resurrection.)

This was witnessed prior in one of the scenes during the Transfiguration, that had revealed the mystery of Jesus’ identity as God’s only begotten Son.

To this end, he inspires the people to be brave in taking up one’s cross and facing all life trials, beaming with hope and faith in the Lord. For everything, as he concludes, “Magtatapos lahat sa kaluwalhatian ng Diyos” (Everything will end in God’s glory).

First row (left to right): A purple curtain is raised between the pillars of the main altar during the vesting activity. After the image is garbed with new vestments, the purple curtain is lowered.  Second row (left to right): Devotees lining up to kiss the old garments. Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church

Following the homilies from the two Pabihis ceremonies, the rite of changing the Nazareno vestment commences. The curtain is raised and hung to the two front pillars of the main altar, where the ‘Mayor’ image will be dressed up with a new vestment. Afterwards, the congregation was joyfully applauded upon seeing the newly garbed Nazareno image ready for the January 9th celebration. The ceremony wraps up with people lining up to touch and kiss the old vestments worn by the image.

 – Kidanzac A. Tallada | ADRM & EIAM