AS Filipinos gather for the annual Feast of Jesus Nazareno on Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged the nation to draw strength from unity, compassion, and faith to overcome life’s challenges with grace.
In his message for the traditional Catholic celebration, Marcos reflected on the significance of the revered image, which depicts Jesus Christ carrying the cross.
For over 400 years, the image has symbolized strength and devotion for Filipino Catholics.
“The Feast of Jesus Nazareno puts into our mind the strength that allows us to find harmony in our faith as a people,” he said.
The event, one of the largest religious gatherings globally, draws millions of barefoot devotees participating in the Traslacion procession through Manila’s streets, an enduring expression of faith.
Marcos underscored the image’s poignant reminder of sacrifice, stating, “It also speaks of the immense power and compassion of God who walks with us and hears our prayers, especially in our time of need.”
He called on Filipinos to embody compassion and emulate the Nazarene by serving their communities. “Let us remember that we are all called to hurdle the challenges that test our resolve with faith and grace and to reach out to those around us who need our kindness and empathy,” he said.
As the ‘andas,’ or carriage of Jesus Nazareno, began its journey from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church around 4:40 a.m., Marcos expressed hope that the celebration deepens devotees’ spiritual bonds and inspires them to act as “hope bearers, peacemakers, and builders of society.”
