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THE GIFT OF SHRINEHOOD OF THE MINOR BASILICA AND NATIONAL SHRINE OF JESUS NAZARENO

Mar. 17, 2024 04:50 PM

Rev. Fr. Rufino C. Sescon Jr., Basilica-Shrine rector and parish priest, raises the decree of establishment declaring Quiapo Church as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno (Black Nazarene). Photo by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church 

The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, commonly known as the Quiapo Church, has been the heart of popular piety and devotion in Manila. The multitude of devotees coming to Quiapo church every year is a testimony that the Quiapo church has become the home of not only the image of the Black Nazarene but also the millions of Filipino devotees worldwide.

To formalize the recognition of this phenomenal devotion, Rev. Fr. Rufino Sescon, Jr., a three-month-old newly installed rector and parish priest of the Quiapo church at that time, had formally started the initiative by creating a Secretariat for the National Shrine application as early as February 1, 2023. The secretariat comprises Rev. Fr. Jonathan Noel Mojica, parochial vicar, Rev. Fr. Earl Allyson Valdez, guest priest, Bro. Ivan Kendrick Panganiban, shrine consultant, Mr. Alfrein Quirionez, and Mr. Kidanzac Tallada, the head and staff of the newly formed Ministry for Archives, Documentation and Research.

On June 10, 2023, at 10 a.m. at the Residencia del Arzobispo-Manila, His Eminence, Cardinal Jose F. Advincula Jr. D.D, Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, officially signed the dossier of the Minor Basilica and Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene as a requirement in petitioning for the status of National Shrine.

Together with Rev. Fr. Rufino C. Sescon, Jr., Rector & Parish Priest, the momentous signing was witnessed by the National Shrine Application Secretariat headed by its Priest-in-charge, Rev. Fr. Jonathan Noel Mojica, Parochial Vicar, together with Mr. Kidanzac A. Tallada, and Mr. Alfrein O. Quirionez. Rev. Fr. Robert Arellano, LRMS, Parochial Vicar, was also present in that momentous occasion.

The dossier must be submitted to the CBCP for review by four respective commissions before being granted the title of a National Shrine:

      1. CBCP-Commission on Liturgy
      2. CBCP-Commission on Pastoral Care on Migrants and Itinerant People
      3. CBCP-Commission on Canon Law
      4. CBCP-Commission on Doctrine of the Faith

On May 31, 2023, Rev. Fr. Rufino Sescon, Jr. made his profession of faith and was solemnly installed as the rector of the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene at his office before the presence of Rev. Fr. Reginald Malicdem, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Manila.

At 12:15 noon, the Holy Mass celebration followed, officiated by Fr. Malicdem on behalf of His Eminence Jose Cardinal Advincula, D.D. This archdiocesan shrine declaration is only a part of the entire application process for the status of the National Shrine.

On July 9, 2023, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), through the recommendation of the four CBCP-Episcopal Commissions on Liturgy, Canon Law, Doctrine of the Faith and Pastoral Care for Migrants and Itinerant People, granted the petition from the Archbishop of Manila to bear the title as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno during the 126th CBCP Plenary Assembly. The provision of ten years in the updated CBCP policies in applying for the elevation from the Archdiocesan to National Shrine status has been waived due to the rich history and profound devotion of the Quiapo church.

Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church 

The long-awaited solemn declaration of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno took place on January 29, 2024. No scorching heat in the hot afternoon can stop the vibrant and jovial beat of ‘karakol’ at Plaza Miranda, where the whole community of Quiapo Church is marked with festivity and jubilation. At 2:00 p.m., His Eminence Cardinal Jose Advincula Jr., Archbishop of Manila, presides over the solemn declaration day and Holy Mass with the 2,015 faithful and devotees.

Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church 

Together in this celebration are His Excellency Most Rev. Charles J. Brown, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Most Rev. Pablo Virgilio S. David, D.D., Bishop of Kalookan & Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President, Msgr. Bernardo R. Pantin, CBCP Secretary General, 61 prelates, eighty-eight (88) clergies from different dioceses all over the Philippines, Rev. Fr. Rufino C. Sescon Jr., Quiapo Basilica & Shrine Rector, Rev. Frs. Jonathan Noel Mojica, Robert Arellano, LRMS, parochial vicars, diaconates and other religious men and women. Also graced this celebration is the incumbent Manila Mayor, Dr. Honey Shiela Lacuna-Pangan.

Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church 

The glorious declaration as National Shrine starts with a dramatic entourage of the 6 official estandartes (banners) of the Hijos Del Nazareno (HDN) – CENTRAL, BASILICA, ANPON, MBBN, and BUKLURAN. Next in line are the tintinnabulum and umbraculum, symbols of the church’s rank as a minor basilica. The last one is the banner bearing the brand-new official logo of Quiapo Church. The highlight is the parading of the decree of establishment as a National Shrine.

Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church 

Msgr. Pantin read the texts during the presentation and proclamation of the decree of establishment. Afterward, the decree was handed over to Most Rev. Pablo David, D.D., CBCP President, to award Cardinal Advincula Jr. and Fr. Sescon Jr. the official decree of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno. The applause of exaltation from the congregation followed.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa Diyos sapagkat ang simbahang ito ay itinaas ng mga obispo ng Pilipinas sa karangalan ng isang Pambansang Dambana” (We are grateful to the Lord for this church’s elevation by the Bishops Conference of the Philippines for the honor and title of a National Shrine).

Photo by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church 

Cardinal Advincula Jr. stated in his homily that the title is an acknowledgment by the esteemed bishops of the increased devotion to Jesus of Nazarene, extending from Quiapo, Manila, to the entire nation and the world.

He adds, “Where there is Filipino, there exists the devotion to Lord Jesus of Nazarene.” Cardinal Advincula Jr. describes it as a ‘gift’ – a blessing received from the Lord. Furthermore, he characterizes Jesus Nazarene as the prime mover influencing the hearts of both devotees and the bishops.

Photo by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church 

In the concluding part, Most Rev. Charles Brown, D.D. expressed his ‘extreme happiness’ to be with the congregation this declaration of the church as the 29th National Shrine in the Philippines.

“It is very fitting that this historic declaration is celebrated in the year 2024, in which the ‘Traslacion‘ has returned to its traditional form after three years of suspension or modification due to the COVID -19 pandemic. So once again, last January 9, Manila was filled with devotees as the image of Jesus made its traditional way through the crowded streets in a visible and tangible manifestation of synodality.”

Also, he exclaimed with joy that it was “a beautiful sign of the resilience of Filipino Catholicism, of the continuation of Filipino Catholicism, of the adherence of Catholic faith in the Philippines.”

Photo by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church 

Most Rev. Pablo Virgilio David, D.D., also gave his message by acknowledging that there are times when people are in despair for God’s attention to hear out their problems, trials, and other ordeals. However, the presence of the Lord Nazarene [in this shrine] is a consoling reminder that the Lord always remembers, never fails in His promises, and will never abandon.

Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church 

The markers of the decree of the establishment of the Quiapo Church as a minor basilica and national shrine were unveiled. Rev. Edward Jay San Diego, the resident deacon, reads the citation.

Photo by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church 

Rev. Fr. Sescon Jr. began his message by emphasizing the importance of “Glory, Honor, and Gratitude” and highlighting “Never ending Gratitude” as the spiritual motto for all devotees at the Quiapo Church.

Fr. Sescon Jr. narrated that it is almost 250 years since the Black Nazarene was enshrined in the Quiapo church. From that juncture, he relates, millions of devotees come to pay homage and pray for such favor vows to the Black Nazarene. Ever since, it [devotion] has been attracting the hearts of millions of devotees calling and praying to Him to grant their wishes, petitions, and intentions.

He adds, “Let this shrine not just be a place of welcome for devotees but a place to send missionary disicples of Jesus.“

Fr. Sescon Jr. commends Manila Mayor Honey Shiela Lacuna-Pangan and both local and national government partners for their full support and assistance in meeting the goal of renewing the face of Traslacion, reinstating the original practice of devotion to the Black Nazarene. He reechoes the Nazareno 2024 theme: “Ibig po naming makita si Hesus“- Juan 12:21 (We wish to see Jesus – John 12:21). Further, he states:

“This church has become holy ground ever since the Nazareno came here. This is truly a shrine because of the fervent faith of the devotees and the overflowing grace and mercy from the Lord. The petition of our dear Cardinal Archbishop and the approval of our beloved bishops are but an affirmation of this spiritually rich reality“.

Fr. Sescon Jr. wraps up his thanksgiving message with the “Never ending Gratitude” motto to everyone, especially to all the priests and bishops, Most Rev. Charles Brown, D.D., the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Most Rev. Pablo Virgilio David, D.D., Bishop of Kalookan & President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), and His Eminence Cardinal Advincula Jr., Archbishop of Manila.

– Alfrein O. Quirionez & Kidanzac A. Tallada | ADRM & EIAM