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HOLY WIN 2025: LAKBAY NG MGA BANAL — A CELEBRATION OF FAITH AND HOLINESS

Nov. 07, 2025 03:39 PM

Quiapo, Manila – October 25, 2025

The Parish of St. John the Baptist, Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno joyfully celebrated “HOLY WIN 2025: Lakbay ng mga Banal”—a meaningful procession and annual parish-wide event that highlighted creativity, faith, devotion, and the universal call to holiness.

Inspired by the verse from John 3:30 — “He must increase; I must decrease,” — this year’s celebration invited everyone to honor the saints who, through their obedience and humility, became shining examples of faith and discipleship.

One of the highlights of the event was the “Best Saint Attire” recognition, where participants showcased both creativity and reverence through their saint-inspired costumes. Reverend Marion Maquiraya and Brother Gio Velasco served as judges and selected the participant who most closely resembled and represented to their designated saint. Certificates of Participation and special awards were presented to outstanding individuals who showcased their best saint-inspired attire.

The Holy Mass began at 3:00 p.m., presided over by Rev. Fr. Jonathan Mojica, Parochial Vicar. In his homily, Fr. Jonathan encouraged the faithful to follow Jesus through the example of the saints. He said, the procession symbolizes a journey — one with purpose and direction. As Christians, we are called to walk this journey of faith, where life itself becomes a pilgrimage. Along the way, we are invited to be renewed and transformed.

He also added that the journey is not always easy. It comes with challenges and trials, yet it is through faith that we find strength to continue. Even when we face obstacles, we are reminded that God and saints walk with us every step of the way.

He emphasized that saints, despite their hardships, they allowed God to transform their lives and inspire others to follow Jesus. Their lives remind us that “God is never finished with us — each day is an invitation to conversion and growth in faith. With God’s grace, nothing is impossible.” He ended his homily by reminding every believer is called to holiness — every true devotee is called to become a saint.

At 4:00 in the afternoon, the much-awaited “Lakbay ng mga Banal” or Parade of Saints began. Participants, dressed as their assigned saints, walked through the streets of Quiapo community while joyfully distributing stampitas to onlookers—a simple yet powerful act of evangelization that spread devotion and faith to those they met. This creative and faith-filled gesture reminded everyone that holiness can be joyful too and inspiring, especially for the young.

Different ministries and organizations of Quiapo church joined together in the celebration. The event was spearheaded by the Formation and Evangelization Cluster, with the collaboration of parish volunteers and various supporting departments that helped make the celebration a success.

Through HOLY WIN 2025, the Parish reminded everyone that sainthood is not only for a chosen few, but it is a calling for all, even for ordinary people. Indeed, “Lakbay ng mga Banal” became a living testimony that faith, joy, and holiness are possible — even for sinners who continue to journey with God.

 

-Angelyn L. Garcia | Social Communications