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The Launching of the Quiapo Church’s New Coat Of Arms: A Reflection of the True Devotion and Mission

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 shield is a party per cross Silver in a Green field.
  • At the center of the shield are the letters IHS inscribed in a Sun in splendor. The Christogram “IHS” is interpreted as meaning, Iesous Hemeteros Soter or “Jesus our Savior”. It denotes Christ Himself, the Nazarene.
  • The Latin Cross is the sign of Christianity, Passion and Death of Christ. The Brown color signifies the wooden Cross brought by the image of the Nazarene and the familiar dark-skinned color of the image, a symbol of humility.
  • The Crown of Thorns in Gold surrounds the Cross as symbols of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of humanity.
  • The tincture at the background of the seal is Maroon. Reflects the cloth worn by the image of the Nazarene. It also reflect the Blood of Christ, shed for the salvation of mankind.
  • However these elements are displayed within a larger cross in Silver to reflect not only the Passion, but also the hope of Easter, the Resurrection of Our Lord.

 

The Symbols of The Patron Saints of the Parish and the Locality of the Parish Jurisdiction

  • The symbols at the dexter base and sinister chief refer to the patron saints of the parish.
  • The shofar or ram’s horn refers to the titular parish patron saint of Quiapo, St. John the Baptist Parish
  • This horn signifies the role of the Baptizer based on John 1: 23 – “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord!”
  • The monogram M with a Cross on top and the crescent moon below signifies the Blessed Virgin Mary.
  • It also reminds us of the historic legacy of the bond between the devotions to the Nazareno of Quiapo and Birhen of Antipolo.
  • Another aspect is the devotion in Quiapo Church to the Marian title Nuestra Señora de Buena Hora.
  • The moon signified the Virgin Mary as the Immaculate Conception. This also symbolized the bliss of heaven, as the celebration of this Marian devotion is held on the 15th of August, which is also the Solemnity of Mary’s Assusmption.

 

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