Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Thousands of devotees gather in prayer as Balanga Bishop Most Rev.  Rufino Sescon  Jr D. D celebrates the Misa Mayor for the annual Traslacion of Jesus Nazareno on January 9, 2026. The Mass marks the start of the religious rites leading to the Traslacion, one of the largest Catholic devotions in the country, drawing millions of faithful seeking healing, thanksgiving, and renewed faith.  Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

2026 TRASLACION

Marilyn Cahatol

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176792525397320260109-traslacion-nazareno-misa-mayor-MT16.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Thousands of devotees gather in prayer as Balanga Bishop Most Rev.  Rufino Sescon  Jr D. D celebrates the Misa Mayor for the annual Traslacion of Jesus Nazareno on January 9, 2026. The Mass marks the start of the religious rites leading to the Traslacion, one of the largest Catholic devotions in the country, drawing millions of faithful seeking healing, thanksgiving, and renewed faith. <em>Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>MANILA — The Traslacion connects Filipinos’ faith, suffering and hope to the Lord Jesus Christ, a priest said Friday, as the image of the Jesus Nazareno and its devotees troop along Manila roads for the annual tradition.</p><p>“[The] number one significance of this is the Filipino faith and the Filipino suffering. They are combined as one,” Fr. Francis Lucas, President of the Catholic Media Network, told ANC’s Headstart. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/9/traslacion-draws-thousands-to-streets-of-manila-1104">Traslacion draws thousands to streets of Manila</a></div><p>He said the procession symbolizes that there remains hope for Filipinos despite suffering.</p><p>Millions of devotees will gather Friday for the Traslacion, a tradition wherein the image of Jesus Nazareno—along with its devotees—marches from the Quirino Grandstand to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno or the Quiapo Church, for almost a whole day.</p><p>Lucas explained that the &quot;massive epidemic, which we call loneliness,&quot; caused by people&#x27;s need for meaningful connectivity, draws Catholics closer to the image of Jesus Nazareno.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2026/1/9/traslacion-misa-mayor-centers-on-the-message-of-humility-devotion-0125">Traslacion Misa Mayor centers on the message of humility, devotion</a></div><p>Through the &quot;pahalik&quot; activity, Catholics’ sense of connectivity grows larger with the image, as its foot is allowed to be touched and kissed by devotees, said Lucas. </p><p>This foot now appears in a different color due to the constant wiping of handkerchiefs over the years.</p><p>“Imagine, if you can totally devote yourself to a God, to Jesus Christ, you continue to connect with Christ, especially as humans, the touch is very important,” he explained.</p><p>“So, it&#x27;s connectivity, especially to a God whom you trust and whom you know will help you.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>WORSHIPPING GOD</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>While some are still waiting for their wishes to be granted, others have achieved their dreams and dedicated themselves to joining the annual procession.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/8/hundreds-of-policemen-allowed-to-participate-in-traslacion-2026-1558">Hundreds of policemen allowed to participate in Traslacion 2026 as devotees</a></div><p>“And they go barefooted. The lesson is humility. So, for the Filipinos, they are connected to a Christ suffering, and yet triumphant,” he said.</p><p>The priest stressed that devoting to Jesus Nazareno is not a form of idolatry but an act of worshipping God, contrary to the criticism Catholics usually receive. </p><p>He explained Jesus Nazareno is the Lord Jesus Christ himself who came from Nazareth, translated into an image to build greater connectivity with the people.</p><p>“If I go to the Black Nazarene, touch him, kiss his feet or whatever part of his body, touch or even just the dress that he wears, am I worshiping a non-God? No, because this is just an image of God,” he said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/9/nazareno-2026-millions-of-devotees-expected-in-traslacion-0032">Nazareno 2026: Millions of devotees expected in Traslacion</a></div><p>Lucas reminded devotees who are attending the procession to remain respectful to God, His image, and their co-devotees.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong><strong>:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YOx53NqAZOw?si=LCZ2dKaSBzVUb8Va" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>Fr. Francis Lucas, President of the Catholic Media Network, said the procession symbolizes that there remains hope for Filipinos despite suffering.</p>

Fr. Francis Lucas, President of the Catholic Media Network, said the procession symbolizes that there remains hope for Filipinos despite suffering.

Traslacion connects Filipinos' faith, suffering, hope to Christ — priest

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

Traslacion connects Filipinos' faith, suffering, hope to Christ — priest

Marilyn Cahatol,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 09, 2026 11:20 AM PHT

Read More:

Traslacion

Jesus Nazareno

Quiapon Church

Roman Catholic

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.