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THE JOURNEY HOME BEGINS: BISHOP ELIAS L. AYUBAN JR. LEADS FIRST NOVENA FOR TRASLACION 2026

Jan. 02, 2026 08:38 PM

Quiapo Manila, Philippines
The spiritual countdown to the grandest display of Filipino faith has officially begun. On December 31, 2025, the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno (Quiapo Church) welcomed thousands of devotees for the first Novena Mass in preparation for Nazareno 2026.

The Novena Prayer was led by the Cofradia Nuestra Señora de la Buena Hora, followed by the Novena Mass. The Mass was presided over by the Most Reverend Elias L. Ayuban, Jr. D. D., the newly installed Bishop of Cubao. His presence marked a significant moment for the festivities, bringing a message of profound intimacy between the Divine and the devotee.


Bishop Ayuban started his homily by sharing his Confession on his first visit to Quiapo way back then. In his story, he mentioned that upon entering the premises of the church, a man tried to give him a medal and pinned it on him. Later, he asked for a donation, which prompted him to give some coins. However, the man was not happy and asked for more. The Bishop felt scared, which affected his concentration in praying to Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno, and he considered it a bad experience in Quiapo.

After 40 years, the Bishop added this was his comeback, and he announced to the crowd that whoever did it to him, he had been forgiven already.

Under the overarching theme for 2026, “Dapat Siyang tumaas, at ako nama’y bumaba” (He must increase, and I must decrease), Bishop Ayuban delivered his homily that resonated deeply with the devotees. He emphasized that the devotion to Poong Jesus Nazareno is not about a distant God, but a God who actively participates in human struggles. The Lord chose to dwell among us, sharing in our pains, triumphs, and daily burdens.

He noted that the Traslacion is a physical manifestation of Jesus “walking” with His people. Bishop Ayuban said if we let Jesus Nazareno reign within us, no matter how heavy the cross we bear, there will always be HOPE. Even though there are tears, there is meaning in what we endure, and even if we are weak, God is powerful. As the first novena concludes, the atmosphere in Quiapo is one of fervent hope. As Bishop Ayuban reminded the faithful, the Nazareno is not just a statue in a carriage, but a living presence that “stays with us” through every trial.

Rev. Fr. Ramon Jade L. Licuanan, the Parish Priest of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, Quiapo Church, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Bishop of Cubao and his fellow priests, the lay faithful and devotees, as well as all the volunteers of Quiapo.

To end the celebration, Fr. Licuanan also sang a birthday song for Bishop Ayuban’s birthday tomorrow, together with all the devotees and faithful of Jesus Nazareno.

Alvin T. Tomagos | EMHC Quiapo Church