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SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD: CARDINAL ADVINCULA PRESIDES OVER THE 5TH NOVENA MASS

Jan. 07, 2026 10:03 AM

Quiapo, Manila —Janaury 4, 2026
The first half of the Novena in preparation for the upcoming Feast of Jesus Nazareno concluded with the celebration of the 5th Novena Mass on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Eminence José F. Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila.

Cardinal Advincula’s presence marked a significant moment for the devotees as he presided over the Novena Mass as the Archbishop of Manila. In his homily, he emphasized the theme for Nazareno 2026, “Dapat Siyang tumaas, at ako nama’y bumaba” (He must increase, and I must decreased).

The Gospel reading from St. Matthew recounts the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem of Judea and the visit of the Three Wise Men, who followed a star that led them to the newborn King. Reflecting on the Gospel, Cardinal Advincula reminded the faithful and devotees that Jesus is the light of all nations, and that His disciples are called to become lights for others as well.

“Si Jesus na ilaw ng mga bansa ay naparito upang liwanagan tayo at gawin rin tayong liwanag ng daigdig katulad Niya. Si Kristo ang ating liwanag at dapat din tayong tumindig at lumiwanag bilang pagtulad sa Kaniya,” he said. The Cardinal further explained that the light of Christ shines brightly through humility, a message closely connected to this year’s Traslación theme.

“Ang liwanag ni Kristo ay maningning at tunay na mapagkumbaba, akmang-akma sa napiling tema natin para sa darating na Traslación: ‘Dapat Siyang tumaas, at ako nama’y bumaba,’” he added.

In his homily, Cardinal Advincula also clarified that the so-called Three Kings were not literally kings, but Gentiles and observers of the stars. Though they did not fully understand God’s plan, they followed the star, which led them to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.

The Gentiles opened their treasures and presented gifts to the Child Jesus: gold for a king, frankincense for God, and myrrh for those who suffer. Cardinal Advincula focused on the significance of these gifts, noting that they bore no names, labels, or marks to identify their givers or origin.

“Mga kapatid, pansinin din natin na ang mga regalo ng mga pantas ay hindi tungkol sa mga nagbigay—hindi tungkol sa kanila. Sa halip, ibinubunyag ng mga regalong ito kung sino ang sanggol na tumatanggap at ipinapahayag ang Kaniyang pagkahari, pagka-Diyos, at pagka-Mesiyas,” he said.

At the end, Rev. Fr. Jade Licuanan, the Parish Priest and Rector give thanks to the sponsors and devotees.

 

John Levi Frigillana | HDN Central