MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula, speaking at a midnight mass for the Traslacion on Tuesday, said that devotees should embody a "model" of mercy to reflect the essence of Jesus.
The Manila Archbishop shared the message in his homily at the Quirino Grandstand, moments before the commencement of the procession honoring the Black Nazarene.
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“Ang tunay na deboto ay modelo. Makikita sa buhay niya ang mismong buhay ni Hesus. Ang deboto ay modelo ng pananalig sa Ama at pagmamalasakit sa kapwa,” Advincula said.
(A genuine devotee serves as an example, reflecting the life of Jesus. Their life mirrors faith in the Father and compassion for others.)
He also said that the Black Nazarene understands all human experiences and the struggles of people.
“Nakikita niya ang pag-titiis ng may sakit. Nakikita niya ang pagod ng mga mangagawa. Nakikia niya ang pagsisikap ng mga mahihirap. Nakikita niya ang sakrispisyo ng mga tapat na lider at lingkod bayan. Nakikita niya ang pangungulila ng mga OFW at mga pag-aalala nila para sa mga mahal nila sa buhay,” Advincula said during his homily in front of a crowd of thousands..
(He witnesses the suffering of the ill, the fatigue of workers, the efforts of the poor, the sacrifices of honest leaders and public servants. He sees the loneliness of overseas Filipino workers and their worries for their families.)
“Nakikilala niya ang ginaw ng mga walang masuot at walang masilungan. Nakikilala niya ang kalam ng sikmura ng mga nagugutom at nauuhaw. Nakikita niya ang pagsisisi ng isang makasalanan. Nakikita niya ang pagsisikap ng bawat isa sa atin. Ang mga pangarap ng mga bata at ang tiyaga ng mga matatanda,” he added.
(He acknowledges the cold faced by those without clothing or shelter. He sees the hunger and thirst in empty stomachs, the regret of those who've made mistakes, and the efforts of everyone. He also witnesses the hopes of children and the determination of the elderly.)
Advincula then urged the Black Nazarene devotees joining the procession to “show Jesus to one another.”
“Mamaya, sa prusisyon ng Traslacion, ipakita natin si Hesus sa isa’t-isa. Sa paghatak natin ng lubid, ipakita natin si Hesus na humahango sa atin at umayos sa buhol ng problema ng buhay natin…ipakita natin si Hesus na inaakay tayo sa pagbabagong-buhay,” Advincula said.
(During the Traslacion procession, let's reveal Jesus in our actions. As we pull the rope, let's visualize Jesus guiding and untangling the knots in our life problems. Let's allow Jesus to lead us toward transformation and a renewed life.)
On Tuesday, a total of 33 masses will be held at Quiapo Church, according to Fr. Rufino Secson, the church’s rector.
The mass was jointly officiated by former Novaliches Diocese Bishops Teodoro Bacani and Antonio Tobias, alongside several priests from Quiapo Church.
After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 400-year-old procession of the image of Jesus Christ resumed.
Quiapo Church announced a return to traditional Traslacion practices this year, considering the decreased threat of the sickness.
An estimated two million people will join the Traslacion from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
The Quiapo Church, recognized as the Basilica Minor de Senor Nazareno and canonically known as St. John the Baptist Parish, home to the Black Nazarene, is set to be declared as a national shrine on January 29.