Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula on Tuesday, Jan. 9, called on devotees of the revered Black Nazarene to follow the example and emulate the life of Jesus.
His Eminence said real devotees serve as role models for other people in the way they live. In his homily during the midnight mass at the Quirino Grandstand, the Church leader said true devotees of the Black Nazarene live as Jesus lived.
“A real devotee of the Black Nazarene follows the example of Jesus, in his faith in the Lord and in his concern and compassion for others. Whether at home, or in his place of work, at the church or on the streets, a real devotee manifests the life of Jesus who lives in his heart,” said Cardinal Advincula.
The cardinal reminded devotees to see Jesus every step of the way during the traslacion procession.
“As you pull the rope of the ‘andas’ know that it is Jesus who fixes the knots of your life. As you go through the procession, it is Jesus who pushes you towards renewal and as you follow the carriage of the Black Nazarene, know that it is Jesus who guides you towards the right path,” the prelate said as he reminded the faithful to “see Jesus in his fellow devotees, helping each other throughout the procession.”
Cardinal Advincula urged devotees to pray fervently “to see Jesus, to see Jesus in others and to manifest Jesus in their lives.”
Quiapo Church rector Fr. Rufino Sescon, Jr. said the traslacion procession, which is being held again after three years, started at 4:45 a.m. after the midnight mass and vigil.
The priest thanked the Lord, volunteers, and police officers who helped execute the start of the procession. He also thanked the devotees for cooperating in making the traslacion kick off to an orderly start.
The Quiapo Church Command Post estimated the crowd size at the procession at 1,008,000 as of 10 a.m. and 60,500 in the vicinity of Quiapo.
Thirty three holy masses will be celebrated by the hour at the Quiapo Church starting at 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8 and ending at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9.
The theme for Nazareno 2024 is “Ibig naming Makita si Hesus” (We want to see Jesus) taken from John 12:21.