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LIGHT, JOY & SALVATION: QUIAPO CHURCH CELEBRATES THE NATIVITY OF JESUS, THE NAZARENE ON CHRISTMAS EVE

Jan. 25, 2025 01:29 PM

After the 8:00 PM Panunuluyan, it is followed by the Christmas Eve Mass at 9:00 PM, December 24, 2024 presided by Bishop-elect of Diocese of Balanga, Bataan, Rev. Fr. Rufino C. Sescon Jr., the incumbent rector and parish priest of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno.

Three words Fr. Sescon Jr. imparts to the faithful during the mass. Those are: Light, Joy & Salvation.

The first word, ‘Light’, pertains to Jesus, whose birth had shone upon the city that was once covered in darkness. Until now, Jesus continues to be the light for everyone experiencing the absence of hope.

He says, “Gusto niyang (Hesus) tanggalin ang dilim sa ating buhay” (Jesus wants to dispel the darkness in our lives).

The second word, ‘Joy’, which Fr. Sescon Jr. states that it is this joy, in which the birth of Jesus had brought into this world.

“Nais ng Diyos na tayo ay lumigaya. Kaya siya nagkatawang tao. Kaya niya minatamis hamakin kahit hindi na siya lumigaya”. (The Lord wants us to feel joy. That is the reason why He become human. That is why he had chosen to suffer even this means at the expense of His own happiness).

The third, and last, word, ‘Salvation’, is the true meaning of Christmas. For it is in this season that the reason had come to be – the salvation of humanity through Jesus’ passion and death on the cross.

“…Pumayag yakapin, pasanin krus, mamatay sa krus”, Fr. Sescon Jr. highlights this act of salvation is what makes Christmas very special and meaningful for everyone. It is about Jesus coming into the world to be with us and experience both happiness and sufferings any ordinary man does.

May the blessings of the newborn Jesus Christ bring the good news of salvation to everyone! A Blessed Merry Christmas to everyone!

– Kidanzac A. Tallada (Shrine & Pilgrims’ Ministry)