Bishop warns against clinging to power at Jesus Nazareno feast

January 9, 2026 – 3:28 PM

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Catholic faithful marking the Feast of Jesus Nazareno were urged Friday to embrace humility and accountability, as a bishop warned against clinging to power despite public suffering.

Bishop Rufino Sescon Jr. delivered the message during a Mass shortly after midnight Jan. 9 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, attended by thousands of devotees ahead of the annual Traslacion.

Reflecting on the 2026 Nazareno theme, “He must increase, I must decrease,” he said true greatness comes not from power, but from freely choosing humility.

“Christ’s descent was not defeat or weakness,” Sescon said. “It was a free decision of love. He went down so that we might be lifted up.”

He said Jesus Nazareno willingly lowered himself out of mercy, not because of failure, stressing that authentic love is shown through service and self-giving.

Turning to present realities, Sescon criticized those who refuse to relinquish authority even when wrongdoing is exposed and the poor continue to suffer.

“There are those today who refuse to step down even when they are wrong and exposed, even when the people suffer,” he said. “Step down freely, out of mercy and love.”

Sescon urged the faithful not to compete for prominence but for mission, calling them to lead through service rather than ambition or self-interest.

He said Nazareno devotion demands listening to God’s call for justice, compassion, unity and peace, especially through the voices of the oppressed.

The bishop said Christ became human not because God failed to hear people, but because humanity often refuses to listen and respond.

“Jesus went down so we would learn how to listen,” Sescon said, adding that true devotion requires obedience, not just petitions for blessings.

He said Christ bore the cross to restore human dignity, calling believers to help lift others through forgiveness, solidarity and care for the common good.

“The true devotee goes down with Christ,” Sescon said, “so others, and our nation, may rise.”

Traslacion starts early

The procession of the image of Jesus Nazareno began earlier than usual at 4 a.m., leaving the Quirino Grandstand after the dawn prayer.

Surrounded by hundreds of Hijos del Nazareno, the andas carrying the iconic image passed the Manila Hotel and crossed Roxas Boulevard.

An estimated 270,000 devotees were gathered at the grandstand area at the time, according to the Quiapo Church Command Post.

Nazareno 2026 spokesman Fr. Robert Arellano said organizers were satisfied with the start of the procession, noting it went according to plan.

“Everything we have encountered so far is very smooth and in proper order,” Arellano said, adding the journey to Quiapo remained long.

“Let us pray that it will continue to be holy, smooth and safe until the image reaches Quiapo Church,” he said.