Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene

The Declaration of the Archdiocesan Shrine Of The Black Nazarene: The Home of Devotion that calls for a Mission

Jun. 03, 2023 11:43 AM

Rev. Fr. Robert Arellano, LRMS, Parochial Vicar, raises the Decree of Erection of the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene during the 12:15 n.n. Holy Eucharist Mass (Photo by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

Quiapo Church—The entire community of faithful of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene is rejoicing due to its declaration as the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene. Rev. Fr. Reginald Malicdem, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Manila, presided over the 12:15 n.n. Holy Mass celebration on behalf of His Eminence Jose Cardinal Advincula, D.D., on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

Rev. Fr. Rufino C. Sescon Jr. installed as the Rector of the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene in the presence of Rev. Fr. Reginald Malicdem, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Manila (Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

Meanwhile, before the Holy Mass celebration, Rev. Fr. Rufino C. Sescon, Jr. made his profession of faith and was solemnly installed as the Rector of the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene in his office before the presence of Rev. Fr. Malicdem.

At the beginning of the mass, Rev. Fr. Robert Arellano, LRMS, Parochial Vicar, graced to read the citation of the conferment titled as the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene before the congregation, that says:

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila

DECREE OF ERECTION

ARCHDIOCESAN SHRINE OF THE BLACK NAZARENE

After having considered the petition of the Rector and Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Rufino C. Sescon Jr., and the community of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene – St. John the Baptist Parish (Quiapo Church), after having consulted the Presbyteral Council, and convinced of the merits of the said petition;

By these presents, We hereby decree that the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene – St. John the Baptist Parish (Quiapo Church), be conferred the title of the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene:

By this Decree of Erection, We likewise grant to the said Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene all the rights and privileges as embodied in the statutes which we also approve at the same time. It shall furthermore be governed by the provisions of Canons 1230 – 1234 of the Code of Canon Law.

Given in Manila, this 10th day of May 2023.

Signed

+ JOSE F. CARDINAL ADVINCULA

Archbishop of Manila

Signed

FR. ISIDRO T. MARINAY

Chancellor

Rev. Fr. Malicdem giving his homily this Feast Day of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary along with this Solemn Declaration as Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene and Rev. Fr. Sescon Jr. delivering his message of gratitude and praises during the concluding rites of the 12: 15 n.n. Holy Mass (Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

Rev. Fr. Malicdem mentioned that the declaration has been “long overdue” already. Nevertheless, he reiterated that in the heart of every faithful and devotee, the newly declared Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene was already considered a shrine long ago, even without a formal declaration, decree, or paper. He added, “For in this church where we feel the presence of God. In this church where we are certain that God is with us. In this church, we experience God’s mercy, forgiveness, peace, and love.”

On the other hand, Fr. Sescon Jr. also gave his message before the mass ended, thanking God for the special grace of being declared as the Archdiocesan Shrine, and at the same time, to Cardinal Advincula through the presence of Rev. Fr. Malicdem for recognizing such piety. Rev. Fr. Sescon Jr. added that this move is a way to praise all the more the greatness of Jesus the Black Nazarene that would remind the devotees that their devotion has a corresponding sense of mission.

Community of faithful recite the Lord’s prayer during the Liturgy of the Eucharist (Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

In the spirit of the liturgical celebration, which coincided with the Solemnity of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, Rev. Fr. Sescon challenged all the faithful before they left the church right after the mass also to visit those like Elizabeth in society who are needy and thirsty of care and love. Thus, every devotee must not only be filled with devotion but also with mission. And with this, may the shrine serve to kindle more the fire of devotion and mission in each and every devotee of the Black Nazarene.

– Alfrein O. Quirionez | EIAM & ADRM