Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Michael Delizo

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767851383760611227356_1518784486956963_1827174682798846560_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Catholic devotees attended a mass on January 7, 2026, in Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno as part of Translation this year. Facebook/Quiapo Church </div>MANILA — The faithful streamed into the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, known as Quiapo Church, on Thursday as it began the 33 fiesta masses for the annual Feast of the Jesus Nazareno, one of the country’s largest Catholic devotions that draws millions of devotees to the streets of Manila.The hourly Masses, which serve as a buildup to Friday’s main events, quickly filled the church.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/8/devotees-spend-overnight-in-line-for-the-pahalik-of-nazareno-2026-0911">Devotees spend overnight in line for the Pahalik of Nazareno 2026</a></div>As the crowd thickened toward midday, a man collapsed from dizziness and was rushed to a medical station —an early glimpse of the physical toll of the devotion and the intense crowding expected as the day unfolds.In his 10 a.m. homily, Rev. Fr. Edward Jayson San Diego reflected on the perseverance of devotees who endure heat, fatigue, and long waits just to catch a glimpse of the Jesus the Nazarene.“Dagsa ang napakaraming mga deboto—nakatayo sa mahabang pila ng Pahalik, nakabilad sa araw, pawis na pawis, pagod na pagod,” San Diego said.(Many devotees are flocking—standing in long lines for the Pahalik, exposed to the sun, drenched in sweat, completely exhausted.)“Bakit tayo nagsisikap na makapasok dito sa loob ng Simbahan ng Quiapo kahit alam naman natin na mahirap?” he continued.“Hindi lang dahil may mga hinihiling tayo sa buhay, kundi dahil may dala-dala tayong mga bigat, may pagod, may takot, may mga sugat na hindi nakikita ng iba.”(Why do we strive to enter Quiapo Church even when we know it will be difficult? Not only because we have petitions in life, but because we carry burdens, exhaustion, fears, and wounds that others cannot see.)Among those who braved the crowd was 63-year-old Catalina Mansibang, who came despite her frail health.“Bago ako umalis, sabi ko, ‘Palakasin Ninyo ako para makapunta ako sa’yo, Mahal na Poong Nazareno, palakasin Mo tuhod ko para makaakyat ako sa LRT,’” she said.(Before I left, I prayed, ‘Give me strength to come to you, Dear Jesus Nazarene, strengthen my knees so I can climb the LRT.’)Also joining the devotion was 26-year-old mother Rochell Enriquez, who traveled from Bustos, Bulacan with her group, Sr. Ramos Balangay MBBN, to take part in the Pahalik and the massive Traslacion.“Pinagpe-pray ko po na sana maging successful ako in life para mabalik ko ‘yong sakripisyong binigay sa akin ng magulang ko—ako naman para sa kanila,” she said.(I pray that I become successful in life so I can give back the sacrifices my parents made for me.)<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/7/devotees-bring-unique-stories-of-faith-devotion-on-1st-day-of-pahalik-1830">Devotees bring unique stories of faith and devotion on 1st day of Pahalik</a></div>As crowds continue to grow, Quiapo Church has implemented stricter crowd-control measures, including regulated entry and exit points.LED screens have also been installed in strategic locations to allow devotees who cannot enter the church to follow the masses and activities.

In his 10 a.m. homily, Rev. Fr. Edward Jayson San Diego reflected on the perseverance of devotees who endure heat, fatigue, and long waits just to catch a glimpse of the Jesus the Nazarene.

In his 10 a.m. homily, Rev. Fr. Edward Jayson San Diego reflected on the perseverance of devotees who endure heat, fatigue, and long waits just to catch a glimpse of the Jesus the Nazarene.

Devotees stream into Quiapo Church as 33 fiesta masses begin

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Devotees stream into Quiapo Church as 33 fiesta masses begin

Michael Delizo,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 08, 2026 02:21 PM PHT

|

Updated January 08, 2026 07:45 PM PHT

Read More:

Jesus Nazareno

Quiapo Church

Traslacion 2026

Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno

Nazareno

Quiapo

Manila

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