Jun. 21, 2023 09:36 AM
The newly-launched coat of arms of the Minor Basilica and Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene during the 1st day of the Novena Mass for the Parish Fiesta in honor of St. Jon the Baptist, patron saint of Quiapo Church (Photo by Social Communications (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)
Quiapo, Manila —The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, which was newly declared as the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene, launched its new coat of arms in public during the 12:15 noontime mass on June 15, 2023, the 1st day of Novena Mass for the Parish Fiesta in honor of St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the Quiapo Church as a parish.
The unveiling of the new coat of arms led by Rev. Fr. Rufino C. Sescon Jr., Rector & Parish Priest with Rev. Fr. Jonathan Noel Mojica, Parochial Vicar, during the concluding rites of the 1st day Novena Mass in honor of St. John the Baptist (Photos by Social Communications (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)
Before the final blessing of the mass, Rev. Fr. Rufino Sescon, Jr., Rector and Parish Priest, together with Rev. Fr. Jonathan Mojica, Parochial Vicar, unveiled the new coat of arms before the congregation with a brief video presentation to present the significance of each symbol that says:
The Symbols of Jesus Christ, The Nazarene
The Symbols of The Patron Saints of the Parish and the Locality of the Parish Jurisdiction
Rev. Fr. Sescon Jr. reminded the faithful that the title of being a Minor Basilica and Archdiocesan Shrine is not merely a decoration but, rather, a challenge to live up to as a sacred place of devotion and mission. Thus, he encouraged everyone, the priests and lay faithful, to help one another turn the Quiapo Church into an image of a true church serving as the center in terms of devotion and mission.
Group picture with Bro. Kendrick Ivan Panganiban, the designer of the coat of arms of Quiapo Church from the Domus Aurea (Photo by Social Communications (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)
Lastly, Rev. Fr. Sescon Jr. thanked the one who conceptualized the coat of arms design, Bro. Kendrick Ivan Panganiban from the Domus Aurea. He is also the Lay-Secretary and Research & Documentation Chairman of the Association of the Catholic Shrines and Pilgrimages of the Philippines (ACSP).
– Alfrein O. Quirionez | EIAM & ADRM