Sara Duterte on Nazareno 2025: Show kindness, mercy even to persecutors

Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday said the Catholic faithful should show humility, kindness, and mercy to everyone in need, as they commemorate the 2025 Feast of Jesus Nazareno.

Duterte said that the people’s devotion to Nazareno is a testament to their great trust in God’s miracles “that have become the spring that gives us the strength, courage, and the inspiration to be resilient as we hold fast to our faith and overcome the challenges coming our way.”

“The Black Nazarene is a manifestation that we will never face the challenges that come our way alone — because God is constantly guiding us, walking with us, and carrying the cross for us on the way to salvation,” she said in a statement.

The Vice President also urged the Filipino Catholics to continue praying for the nation and for fellow Filipinos, especially those who are in need, sick, and dying.

“We are also called to show humility, kindness, and mercy to everyone in need, even to those who persecute us,” she said.

"Let us all continue to pray for healing, wisdom, and guidance as we renew our faith in prayer and contemplation of our mission as God’s children,” she added.

The Feast of Jesus Nazareno is a 10-day activity which started from December 31, 2024, and will culminate on January 9, 2025, with the “Traslacion” or the procession of the 400-year-old image of Jesus Nazareno from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church.

The Traslacion officially started at 04:41 a.m. on Thursday, according to the Quiapo Church. — Giselle Ombay/RSJ, GMA Integrated News