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IN HUMILITY AND SERVICE: PARISH YOUTH MINISTRY LEADS VIGIL PERFORMANCES FOR THE FEAST OF JESUS NAZARENO

Jan. 12, 2026 03:43 PM

Quirino Grandstand, Manila – January 8, 2026 The Parish Youth Ministry showcased their talents during the evening vigil in celebration of the Feast of Poong Jesus Nazareno at the Quirino Grandstand on January 8, 2026.

Beginning at exactly 7:40 p.m., the youth-led program unfolded through a musical play followed by a series of intermission presentations that echoed throughout the night. More than artistic expressions, each performance became a living meditation on the Nazareno 2026 theme, “Dapat Siyang Tumaas, at Ako Naman ay Bumaba”—a call to humility, self-offering, and radical discipleship.

The showcased performances were the fruit of months of prayer, reflection, and creative formation. In an interview, Parish Youth Ministry head lay coordinator Jerk San Jose shared that the preparations began with a four-day retreat workshop held from October 30 to November 2, 2025, at the Tagaste Retreat House in Tagaytay. The retreat served as a sacred space where the youth were invited to pause, listen, and allow the theme of Nazareno 2026 to shape not only their scripts, but their own hearts.


“Sa apat na araw na retreat workshop na ito, aming pinagnilayan sa unang dalawang araw ang tema ng Nazareno 2026, at sinundan ito ng dalawang araw na workshop kung saan binuo ang initial plays na ipapalabas sa Quirino Grandstand noong Enero 8,” (During this four-day retreat workshop, we reflected on the Nazareno 2026 theme in the first two days, followed by two days of workshops where the initial plays to be staged at the Quirino Grandstand on January 8 were developed), San Jose shared.

From this encounter emerged four theatrical plays, each reflecting the Gospel message of humility and self-emptying. The narratives explored the reality that life is not always lived on the heights, and that moments of “pagbaba” are not signs of defeat, but invitations to grow deeper in faith and trust in God.


“May apat na dula ang nabuo na umiikot sa konsepto ng pagbaba—na hindi palaging nasa taas ang buhay ng tao, at ang pagbaba ay hindi kahinaan kundi isang anyo rin ng kalakasan,” (Four theatrical plays were created, all revolving around the concept of descent—that life is not always lived at its heights, and that going down is not a sign of weakness but also a form of strength), he added.

Through symbolic storytelling, movement, and music, the youth portrayed how true greatness is found not in recognition or power, but in service, sacrifice, and obedience to God’s will—mirroring the very journey of Jesus Nazareno, who chose the path of the Cross for the salvation of humanity.

In unity with the Church’s prayer and mission, the Parish Youth Ministry concluded their presentation with a choreographed rendition of “Awit ng Kabataan,” aligned with the Oratio Imperata. The final performance became a collective cry for justice, compassion, and responsibility, urging the youth and the faithful to respond to the challenges of the present time with courage and humility.

As the vigil continued into the night, the youth’s offering stood as a powerful reminder that the call of Nazareno 2026 is not merely a theme to be remembered, but a way of life to be lived—where Christ is lifted higher, and the self learns to bow in loving surrender.

John Levi Frigillana | HDN Central