Every January 9, millions of Filipinos gather in Quiapo, Manila, to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene. Crafted in Mexico, the image of the Black Nazarene was brought to the Philippines by the Augustinian Recollects on 31 May 1606 and initially enshrined in the church of San Juan Bautista in Bagumbayan. Upon the request of the then archbishop of Manila Basilio Sancho de Santa Justa, the image was transferred to the church of Quiapo in 1787. This historic transfer and the feast of the Black Nazarene are commemorated every 9th of January in a grand procession called the traslacion or transfer.
Last year on January 29, 2024, for the first time, the bishops of the Philippines gathered at Quiapo Church for its solemn declaration as the National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno. The Holy Mass was led by Cardinal Advincula, Bishop Pablo Virgilio David (President of the CBCP), and the Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev. Charles John Brown. The clergy, religious, and devotees jubilantly witnessed this special milestone as a testament to the passionate love and devotion of the Filipinos to the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno. And On Sept. 6, 2024, during the 38th National Meeting of Diocesan Directors of Liturgy of the Philippines, it was announced that with the blessing of the CBCP, January 9 will be observed as a liturgical feast in all the dioceses throughout the Philippines. It is a confirmation to the Filipinos’ ardent love and devotion to Jesus Nazareno.
The Feast of the Black Nazarene is a profound expression of devotion to Christ. The theme for this year, Nazareno 2025: “Mas mabuti ang pagsunod kaysa paghahandog sa mga umaasa kay Jesus” (It is better to obey than to sacrifice for those who hope in Jesus), is drawn from 1 Samuel 15:22.
I remember when I was a little kid, my mother and I used to go to Quiapo Church on Fridays to attend Mass. Although my mother was not a devotee, I would accompany her, but eventually, I disliked it because so many people gathered, making it too crowded. As I grew older, I started to question this devotion. Why do millions of people attend the Traslación every year, even if it causes casualties and accidents?
The answer lies in the deep-seated faith of the Filipino people. The Black Nazarene, a centuries-old, dark wooden statue of Christ carrying the cross, has become a powerful symbol of their struggles and their unwavering hope. Countless testimonies of answered prayers and miraculous healings have solidified the devotion to the Black Nazarene as one of the most significant religious phenomena in the Philippines.
The theme of the feast this year, “Mas mabuti ang pagsunod kaysa paghahandog,” challenges us to look beyond the external acts of devotion and focus on aligning our hearts with God’s will. As we honor the Black Nazarene, we are reminded that true discipleship lies in obedience—a faithful response to God’s call in our lives.
The story of the prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel 15:22 emphasizes that obedience is the foundation of a life pleasing to God. While sacrifices and offerings are significant, they become hollow without a heart committed to following His commands. This theme invites us, to ask ourselves: Are our prayers and sacrifices leading us to a deeper relationship with God? Are we living out the Gospel values in our families, workplaces, and communities?
The theme of the Church’s Jubilee, “Pilgrims of Hope,” beautifully complements the theme of the feast celebration. As pilgrims, we are reminded that our earthly journey is a shared one, rooted in hope and directed toward our ultimate home in Christ. The image of Christ carrying the cross reminds us that hope does not come from avoiding life’s burdens but from embracing them with faith. For the millions who venerate the Black Nazarene, their devotion is a tangible expression of this hope—a hope that sustains them through trials and inspires them to continue the journey.
The Feast of the Black Nazarene 2025 is more than a celebration; it is a call to transformation. We are reminded that true devotion is found not only in the sacrifices we make but also in the obedience we live out daily. As pilgrims of hope, let us take this opportunity to renew our commitment to follow Christ, carrying our crosses with faith and offering hope to a world in need. Viva Señor Hesus Nazareno!
Sources:
Title: [Black Nazarene of Quiapo] Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (N.P.J.N) Author/s: Dino Carlo S. Santos
URL: https://epa.culturalcenter.gov.ph/3/82/2146/ Publication Date: November 18, 2020
Title: Brief History of Quiapo Church and image of the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno
Translated from published articles: The Black Nazarene: His Devotees, 1979 by Rev. Francisco S. Gianan
Maikling Kasaysayan ng Simbahan ng Quiapo at ng Kaniyang Mapaghimalang Larawan: Jesus Nazareno, 1937 by Rev. Dr. Vicente Catapang
Brief History of the Black Nazarene and Quiapo Church by Rev. Francisco Gianan
Souvenir Program 1983, National Shrine Souvenir Program 2024, History of Quiapo Church by Rev. Leonard Agcaoili
URL: https://quiapochurch.com.ph/about-quiapo/history/
