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WHERE DEVOTION SPRINGS FROM THE HOLY GROUND OF BLESSINGS AND GRACE: QUIAPO CHURCH CELEBRATES ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF DECLARATION AS NATIONAL SHRINE

Mar. 07, 2025 02:24 PM

The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno celebrated its first anniversary of the solemn declaration as a national shrine during the 12:15 noon mass on January 29, 2025, presided by its first shrine rector, Rev. Fr. Rufino C. Sescon Jr., bishop-elect of Diocese of Balanga, Bataan.

During the homily, Rev. Fr. Sescon Jr. underscored the significance of attending the Holy Eucharistic Mass as paramount to being a devotee (of Jesus, the Nazarene), participant in every procession or reciting the novenas and other prayers.

“Ang pinakaganap na pag-aalay ay naganap sa Misa sapagkat diyan natin inaalala ang pag-aalay ni Hesus Nazareno ng kaniyang buhay. (The greatest offering commemorated every Mass is the sacrifice made by Jesus, the Nazarene, when He gave up His life [for the salvation of mankind]).

Fr. Sescon Jr. described this among the faithful as sharing in the blessings and grace, when inside the church through listening, following and loving Jesus of Nazareth.

“Kung gusto natin tunay na pagpalain, dapat maging handa ang puso natin” (If we want to be truly blessed, we should ready our hearts) as Jesus, the Nazarene, continuously sows the seeds of blessings and grace as the offering made for the Father.

Fr. Sescon Jr. also stated: “Ang deboto lumalago katulad ng matabang lupa at darating din ang panahon ay nagiging disipulo” (A devotee grows just like the fertile soil and, in turn, becomes a disciple).

Further, he said that everyone is called to be the reason and bridge so that all may be accompanied by Jesus towards the Father for that is His will as being the High Priest.

In the concluding rites, Rev. Fr. Secon Jr. made the highlight announcement of his successor appointed by His Eminence, Cardinal Jose F. Advincula Jr. as basilica-shrine rector and parish priest of Quiapo church named Rev. Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan, parish priest of San Felipe Neri Parish in Mandaluyong. To date, Fr. Licuanan is also the Executive Secretary of CBCP-ECY.

– Kidanzac A. Tallada | Shrine & Pilgrims’ Ministry (Quiapo Church)