Cardinal Advincula to Jesus Nazareno devotees: Follow Jesus’ teachings over temptations

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advicula urged devotees of Jesus Nazareno to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ over temptations during the Misa Mayor on Thursday.

Advicula said influencing oneself with money, vices, and evildoers will only lead to failure and despair.

“Siya (Jesus Nazareno) ang sundin natin. Ang mga utos niya ang isabuhay natin. Ang mga aral niya ang isa puso natin. Ang halimbawa niya ang tularan. Mas mabuti ang pagsunod sa mahal na Senior (Jesus Nazareno),” Advicula said during his homily at the Quirino Grandstand.

“Pag-asa kay Hesus at pagsunod kay Hesus; ito ang mga tanda ng tunay na deboto. Ipangako natin ito kay Hesus, siya lamang ang maaasahan natin, siya ang laging nating sundin,” he added.

(Let us only follow Jesus Nazareno. Let us live by his commandments. Let us put in our hearts his lessons. Let us follow his examples. It is better to follow Him. Hoping in Jesus is to follow Him. This is a sign of a true devotee. Let us promise Him that we will only rely on and follow Him.)

LIVE BLOG: Updates on Traslacion ng Poong Jesus Nazareno 2025

The 2025 feast is themed "Mas Mabuti ang Pagsunod kaysa Paghahandog sa mga Umaasa kay Jesus" (Obeying is better than offering for those who trust in Jesus).

Advicula also said there is hope because Jesus Nazareno is alive.

“Nabubuhay siya sa mga puso natin, nabubuhay siya sa paligid natin, nabubuhay siya kasama natin. Huwag na tayong magpapatay-patay. Habang may pagasa, may buhay kaya’t mabuhay tayo sa pagasa kay Hesus,” the prelate said.

(Jesus Nazareno lives in our hearts, surroundings, and alongside us. There is life because there is hope, so let us live in hope in Jesus.)

Nazareno 2025 marks its first celebration since it was declared a “national feast,” which all dioceses in the country will observe, according to Quiapo Church rector and bishop-elect Jun Sescon Jr.

At least 22,000 devotees flocked to Quirino Grandstand in Manila for "pahalik" or "pagpupugay" for the Jesus Nazareno on Wednesday morning. 

Celebrated every January 9, the Traslacion commemorates the transfer of the image of the Jesus Nazarene from the San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Intramuros to Quiapo Church in 1700s.

In 2024, over 6.5 million devotees participated in the first Traslacion after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. —LDF, GMA Integrated News