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Triduum Masses: Reminiscing the 35 Years from the Declaration

Mar. 04, 2023 04:35 PM

The mass presiders for the Triduum Masses and the 35th Anniversary of Elevation as Minor Basilica, who were among the key witnesses to the elevation of the church as Minor Basilica in February 1, 1988 (Photo by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church) 

The devotees and parishioners of the Black Nazarene had gathered to hear the Triduum Masses from the 29th of January to the 31st of January 2023 in celebration of its 35th anniversary of elevation to the rank of Minor Basilica on the 1st of February 2023.

The presiders for the three-day mass, respectively, were the following: Rev. Fr. Emerico Sixto Juan B. Garcia, Rev. Fr. Gerard Vicente B. Mascariña, and Rev. Fr. Ronald M. Macale. The recently concluded Triduum Masses highlighted both narratives and the significance of bestowing the title of Minor Basilica to Quiapo Church by His Holiness, Pope John Paul II dated back to the 11th of December 1987. The church was granted that status through the initiative of then His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin and Papal Nuncio, Most Rev. Bruno Torpigliani. The following year, the church had been consecrated to its present name on the 1st of February 1988.

The three Mass presiders of the Triduum Masses from January 29 – January 31, 2023 (Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

In reference to the old video produced by Bob, it featured both dedication and formal proclamation rites for the elevation of Quiapo Church as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. During the day of the liturgical dedication, along with the feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, on the 28th of September 1987, His Eminence, Jaime Cardinal Sin led the consecration ceremony of both the altar and cross markings on the walls, where the present-day fourteen (14) stations of the cross are positioned. Those rites were part of the blessing of the church domain after being remodeled for expansion by the renowned Architect Jose Maria Zaragoza, a student of Architect Juan Nakpil, under the rectorship of then Msgr. Jose C. Abriol. The said structural changes in response to the increasing number of churchgoers had become a crucial factor for the petition for conferment of the church as a Minor Basilica.

Reminiscing those during the Triduum Masses, the presence of the three invited priests was highly appreciated for being among the key witnesses to the history of the church’s designation to that rank. While they were not there on the actual day of the declaration, they had served as the pontifical servers during the solemn dedication rites. Evident from the sources, Rev. Fr. Garcia and Rev. Fr. Mascariña were aspergillum bearers while Rev. Fr. Macale was the book bearer for His Eminence, Jaime Cardinal Sin. Likewise, Most Rev. Antonio R. Tobias, D.D., Bishop-Emeritus of Novaliches, who officiated the mass in celebration of thirty-five years of Quiapo Church as a Minor Basilica, was present together with Most Rev. Teodoro Bacani, D.D. and Most Rev. Gabriel, D.D Reyes of the same aforementioned diocese during the unveiling of the plaque marker and the blessing of bas relief of San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel, where it is used as the baptistery at present.

The 35th Anniversary Elevation as Minor Basilica with Most Rev. Antonio R. Tobias, D.D., Bishop-Emeritus of Novaliches (Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

At present, the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene continues to exercise its duties and privileges identified by the Holy See. One of those is the granting of plenary indulgences, which can be received by the faithful. From the reference above, His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin had provided the designated Feast of Indulgences during the declaration as Minor Basilica during the Feast of St. Peter & Paul every June 29, Feast of Our Lady of Portiuncula during August 2, and the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9. As a church ennobled to the basilican rank, Quiapo Church remains an outstanding exemplar of widespread faith, devotion, and reverence to the Black Nazarene, which is significant at the heart of Filipino culture & tradition. Remembering how this church had survived many tragedies and wars, the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene is proof of steadfastness and religiousness, just like its faithful and devotees. Indeed, it is and will always be a humbling honor to pay tribute and respect to the one and only King of Kings, whose reign and presence dwell in this dignified place of worship and our hearts forever. Viva Nuestro Padre Hesus Nazareno!

 

– Kidanzac A. Tallada | EIAM & ADRM