Marcos to Filipinos: Overcome challenges with faith, grace

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

FILE: The andas (carriage) carrying the image of Jesus Nazareno moves through a crowd of devotees starting 4:40 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 9, 2025) at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on the way to Quiapo Church. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA – As Filipinos once again gather to mark the annual Feast of Jesus Nazareno on Thursday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on the public to find strength in unity and compassion and hurdle challenges with faith and grace.

In his message for the traditional Catholic gathering, Marcos said the Feast of Jesus Nazareno “puts into our mind the strength that allows us to find harmony in our faith as a people.”

Jesus Nazareno is a life-sized image of Jesus Christ carrying the cross. It has been a symbol of strength and devotion for Filipino Catholics for over 400 years.

The feast, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, sees millions of devotees participating in the Traslacion (procession), often barefoot, as they make their way through the streets of Manila in an expression of unwavering faith.

Marcos reflected on the significance of the image itself, saying that the act of carrying Jesus Nazareno and His cross serves as a poignant reminder of the immense sacrifices made by Jesus Christ.

“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 said.

The President encouraged Filipinos to extend the spirit of compassion, urging devotees to “reach out to those around us who need our kindness and empathy.”

He also called on the faithful to not only focus on their spiritual journeys but to actively work towards serving their communities, echoing the example set by the Nazarene.

“This colossal gathering of Filipinos in the streets of Manila is a testament to our people’s solidarity and camaraderie,” Marcos said.

“Let us remember that we are all called to hurdle the challenges that test our resolve with faith and grace as well as to reach out to those around us who need our kindness and empathy.”

His hope is for every devotee in the procession — whether in person or in spirit — to have a deeper bond with the Almighty and a higher purpose in serving others.

“I am confident that we are able to epitomize the example of the Nazarene in our daily walks in this world as hope bearers, peacemakers, and builders of society who will change their respective communities with one good deed at a time,” he said.

The ‘andas’ or the carriage of the image of Jesus Nazareno started its way through the crowd of devotees and the streets of Manila around 4:40 a.m.

From the Quirino Grandstand, it will make its way to Quiapo Church in a procession expected to last for hours.

Red Cross gives medical aid to 100 devotees

Meanwhile, a total of 119 devotees in the Feast of Jesus Nazareno sought medical help as of 7:30 a.m. on Thursday.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said some experienced difficulty in breathing, chest pain, hyperventilation, headache, elevated blood pressure and dizziness.

About 10 were brought to their emergency field hospitals, two of which were transported to the nearest hospitals for medical treatment.

The PRC also attended to other patients and took their vital signs. (With Ma. Teresa Montemayor/PNA)