NAZARENO 2025 Gloria Jordan Gonzales, 91, has been consistently present during the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno in Manila. And that won’t change this year, even if she had to travel 171 kilometers to uphold her devotion. INQUIRER.net / Zacarian Sarao
MANILA, Philippines — For 74 years, Gloria Jordan Gonzales has been consistently present during the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno in Manila. And that won’t change this Nazareno 2025, even if she’s now 91 years old and traveling 171 kilometers to uphold her devotion.
Gonzales has been a devotee of the Nazareno since she was 17 and still lived in Manila. Her faith never faltered, although she had to travel longer to Quiapo, Manila each year – braving hours of commute – to still participate in the religious celebration after she moved to Subic, Zambales, to be with her father in her later years.
To her, showing up every year in Manila for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno is a personal tradition that represents her faith, resilience, unwavering devotion, and legacy.
“This is where I started, I grew up here in Manila,” Gloria told INQUIRER.net in a mix of Filipino and English, emphasizing her roots in the country’s capital region which she views with pride and adoration to this day.
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Gonzales said she would sell her personal Nazareno merchandise not just for extra income, but as a means to spread the influence of the Nazareno – demonstrating her unbreakable faith beyond January 9, the climax of the annual religious activities that draw millions of believers.
“I go home to Subic since my father lived in Zambales, but I return every year for the Feast of the Nazareno. This is my panata (vow). As long as I live, I will never forget where I came from,” she added.
Wisdom of the Nazareno
Gonzales said she holds the teachings of the Nazareno and Quiapo Church, formally known as Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, close to her heart. In fact, she noted, she always ensures these teachings are reflected in the advice she shares with others.
For her, the Nazareno is her source of wisdom in her 74 years as a devotee, and continues to do so, lovingly referring to the image as her “guide.”
“When I look at someone, I can tell what kind of person they are,” she said. “Some people are kind, others are rebellious.”
She attributed this skill to her years of being devoted to the Nazareno as well as her lifetime of observing people.
This particular wisdom she received with the help of the Nazareno bears more importance in present times, according to Gonzales – especially when, in her eyes, the world and how people treat each other change dramatically every year.
“It’s different now, more complicated. People judge others based on appearances, but they don’t realize they’re wrong,” she said with a knowing smile.
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Despite this, Gonzales remains an optimist, expressing hope that the future will remain steadfast with the help of the Nazareno.
After all, for Gonzales, the Nazareno is more than an icon of faith; it’s a symbol of love, resilience, and unyielding hope.
“I love the Nazarene deeply, more than anything or anyone,” the 91-year-old devotee declared with conviction.
As Gonzales prepared for the beginning of the Fiesta Masses in Quiapo Church, she left a reminder directed not just to devotees but to everyone: love and cherish oneself.
“Never forget to honor and love your parents, but love yourself above all else. Remember, your love for yourself will guide you through anything with the help of the Nazareno,” she said.