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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. —PNA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed hopes that the Feast of Jesus Nazareno would encourage “a deeper bond with the Almighty” and “a higher purpose in serving others.”
For Marcos, Jesus Nazareno carried the cross to remind the faithful of His great sacrifice, as it is a reflection of God’s immense power and compassion for those who trust in Him and pray.
“Let us remember that we are all called to hurdle the challenges that test our resolve with faith and peace as well as to reach out to those around us who need our kindness and empathy,” he said in a statement.
“May this day fortify in every devotee who joins the procession—whether in person or in spirit—a deeper bond with the Almighty and a higher purpose in serving others,” he continued.
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Marcos likewise expressed confidence that Filipinos would obey Jesus Nazareno as “hope bearers, peacemakers, and builders of society.”
In a Facebook post, Marcos wished that Nazareno 2025 may remind Filipinos that “no burden is too heavy when carried with faith.”
“May this day inspire us to care for one another and hold firm in the belief that our better days are ahead,” he said in his social media post.
Millions flock to join the annual religious activities for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno in Manila. The celebrations’ climax is the January 9 Traslacion, which commemorates the transfer of the centuries-old Nazareno image from Bagumbayan – the present Rizal Park – to Quiapo Church, formally known as Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno.
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The Jesus Nazareno image is believed to have miraculous powers, and believers join the Traslacion for a chance to touch the statue or even just the rope that pulls its carriage to pray for blessings, protection, and good health.
The Traslacion, a long procession that lasts for hours and draws a massive crowd of devotees, first took place between 1767 and 1787 with the original Jesus Nazareno image carved from mesquite wood by an unknown sculptor.
The Jesus Nazareno image, partially destroyed in 1945 during the battle for Manila in the Second World War, was brought from Mexico to Manila on May 31, 1606.