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FORTY-NINE SECONDS FROM DEATH: AN HIJOS DEL NAZARENO’S STORY OF FAITH

Jan. 14, 2026 10:48 AM

Quiapo, Manila —
What would you do if death suddenly stood before you? Would you cry out, “Not now, Lord,” or would you surrender everything into God’s hands?

For Jeric San Antonio, a 33-year-old Hijos del Nazareno and one of the guards of the revered image of Jesus Nazareno, that question became real during the Traslacion—answered not with fear, but with faith.

During the Feast of Jesus Nazareno, Jeric was among the most active Hijos on duty. From the Misa Mayor to assisting in 33 Masses celebrated on January 9 in Quiapo church, his day was marked by unceasing service. Beyond liturgical assistance, he also fulfilled his solemn role as a guard of the Andas, ensuring the safety of the sacred image amid millions of devotees.

But during one of his assigned torno (duty rotations), in one of Quiapo’s narrowest and most congested routes, the unexpected happened.

Positioned at the front of the Andas, Jeric attempted to mount it—but was pushed off three times by the overwhelming surge of devotees. Even before his duty could fully begin, exhaustion had already taken hold. His breathing grew heavy. His strength faded.

Realizing his limits, Jeric asked his fellow Hijos to lift him, admitting that he could no longer endure the strain. Moments later, he lost consciousness.

As his body collapsed, tears streamed down his face. In his heart, one prayer echoed:

“Kung anuman ang mangyari sa akin, Mahal na Poong Jesus Nazareno, Ikaw na ang bahala sa pamilya ko.”
(Whatever happens to me, Lord Jesus Nazareno, I entrust my family to You.)

Jeric believed those were his final moments.

He could hear the noise of the crowd—but saw nothing except pure white.

 

Faith Passed Through Generations

Jeric San Antonio is a native of Tondo, Manila—a husband, a father of two, and a man whose devotion is rooted deeply in family tradition.

His father had been a devotee of Jesus Nazareno since 1992, while his grandfather was a member of Balangay Samahang Batang Herbosa. Both joined the Hijos del Nazareno in the early 2000s, first under Hijos del Nazareno–Quiapo, later becoming part of Hijos del Nazareno–Basilica (MBBN).

In 2004, on Jeric’s birthday, his father brought him to Quiapo, telling him they would simply attend Mass. What Jeric did not know was that his father hoped he would join the Kabataang Hijos ng Basilica.

Though initially discouraged due to his young age, Jeric’s desire to serve burned strongly. At times, he would quietly leave home just to attend church activities—driven by a calling he could not yet fully explain.

Trials That Shape the Soul

As a young man, Jeric faced immense hardship. He grew up with very little, struggled in school, and fell into unhealthy peer influences. He learned early how friendships disappear when life becomes difficult.

During his years with the Kabataang Hijos, Jeric even felt a calling to the priesthood. Though sincere, he eventually realized it was not God’s plan for him. This realization led to a season of distance, struggle, and silence in his faith journey.

The deepest turning point came during the pandemic, when Jeric lost his father.

That loss reshaped his understanding of devotion.

Devotion Beyond the Procession

For Jeric, devotion matured beyond Traslacion, pasanan, and processions. It became something lived daily—through prayer, service, and love for others.

“Pasan ka nang pasan pero hindi ka marunong magdasal.
Pasan ka nang pasan pero hindi ka marunong magrosaryo—
wala ring saysay.”

(Carrying the cross means nothing if you do not know how to pray. If you keep carrying but do not pray the Rosary, it becomes meaningless.)

This realization drew him closer not only to Jesus Nazareno, but also to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Jeric came to understand that Christ came through His Mother—and that devotion to Jesus Nazareno naturally leads to deeper love for Mama Mary.

Through formation programs, catechesis, parish activities, church teachings, and constant service, Jeric’s faith was refined. His growth eventually touched his family, whom he gently inspired to attend Mass and serve in the Church.

For Jeric, a personal relationship with God became the foundation of authentic service.

49 Seconds That Changed Everything

By God’s providence, what happen to Jeric, a local media network captured the incident. Medical responders stationed nearby immediately rushed to his aid.

When Jeric regained consciousness at the medical tent, the only thing he remembered seeing was white.

Doctors later explained that had he remained unconscious for three to five minutes, he would have been rushed to the hospital in critical condition—50/50. Jeric had been unconscious for only 49 seconds.

Aside from body pain and extreme exhaustion, he recovered without serious injury.

For Jeric, there was no doubt—it was a miracle. A second life given to him by God.

A Mission Not Yet Finished

Jeric believes he was spared because his mission is not yet complete.

“Para sa akin ang pagiging deboto ay hindi lang prusisyon kundi kasama ang misyon”. (For me, devotion is not only about procession, it is about mission). He believes there is still so much to do. Many still need help. Many still need to be served.

To fellow Hijos and young people who aspire to serve, Jeric offers this reminder:

“Mas mabuting maging mapagkumbaba tayo at sumunod sa inaatas ng simbahan.
Hindi magsasalita ang simbahan ng makakasama sa atin.
Pilitin nating magsimba tuwing Linggo—ito ay mahalaga bilang Katoliko at bilang tagapaglingkod ng Poong Jesus Nazareno.”

(Let us be humble. Let us obey what the Church asks of us, because the Church will never instruct us to do something that will harm us. Let us strive to attend Mass every Sunday—it is essential to our duty as Catholics and as servants of Jesus Nazareno.)

Service Until the End

Jeric San Antonio survived a moment that could have taken his life—but instead deepened his calling.

As a Hijos del Nazareno, his promise remains firm:

“I will continue to serve until the end of my life.”

In a sea of millions, his story stands as a quiet yet powerful testimony—that when life is surrendered to God, even the brink of death becomes a proclamation of faith.

 

 

Photo Credit: Jeric San Antonio, Spin and Shoot, D’ Photographer

 

Angelyn L. Garcia | Social Communications