Nazareno Draws Students, Devotees to St. Augustine Parish Church

Photo by Jhemaica Ericel, Luis Lapuz

Clad in maroon robes and crowned with thorns, the image of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno draws lines of devotees and students who offer prayers and light candles during its visit to Baliwag from June 25-29, at Ang Batingaw — St. Augustine Parish Church.

The replica is provided by the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, also known as Quiapo Church, which has already distributed 50 replicas across the Philippines.

Earlier, students, accompanied by their Christian Living (C.L.) and Religious Studies (R.S.) teachers, had the chance to visit the replica in the church during their C.L. and R.S. classes. 

The Holy Rosary was  led by a selected student from each section. Following this, they formed a line to touch the statue and express their prayers.

Unfortunately, not every section was able to take advantage of this opportunity, as certain classes did not include C.L. and R.S. in their Friday schedules.

For outside school matters, the schedule for the statue’s visit is available on St. Augustine’s official page, as the image is housed within that church.

The visit began with the departure of the image from Quiapo Church in the morning of June 25, followed by its arrival at St. Augustine Parish Church, where a formal rite of welcome was held. 

Devotees were then given time throughout the afternoon and evening for prayer and veneration, alongside the recitation of the rosary, novena, and celebration of Mass.

The second day features multiple scheduled Masses in the morning and evening, along with a period dedicated to prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours. The day concludes with a solemn procession of the “Pasanan,” allowing devotees to publicly express their faith.

The procession route began at the church and passed through several key roads in Baliwag: BTI Ordinary, Jollibee Bayan, Cagayan Valley Road, L.M. Guerrero Street, Dr. Gonzales Street, F. Lara Street, Plaridel Street, B.S. Aquino Avenue, J.M. Basa Street, P. Angeles Street, and A. Luna Street, before returning to the church.

Church activities will continue with morning Masses on the third day, followed by a motorcade and the anticipated arrival of the image at the church later in the day. Devotees are again given time for veneration in the evening at the designated area.

Several Masses will be celebrated throughout the fourth day, giving more opportunities for worship. The schedule also includes the rosary and novena, as well as extended hours for devotees to offer prayers and pay homage to Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno.

The final day will open with morning Masses and a longer period for veneration. A farewell rite is held before the image departs in the afternoon, marking the conclusion of its visit and return journey to Quiapo Church.

Devotee Shares His Journey of Service 

According to Manolito Castillo, a member of Hijos Del Nazareno Bukluran, shared that the migration of the Black Nazarene to various places in the Philippines began around the 1980’s.

When asked about his memorable experience of bringing the Black Nazarene to various parishes, he shared, “Noong 2025, dinala namin yung Nazareno sa simbahan ng Makati. Kasagsagan ng bagyong Kristine no’n pero yung mga tayo ay hindi naano sa bagyo at sinalubong ng marami ang Señor nung dumating ito sa parokya.”

He also described his service not as a job, but a “volunteer work” to serve God.

The Filipinos Devotion the Black Nazarene 

The devotion to Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno among Filipinos was deeply rooted because of its rich history and symbolism.

In 1606, the image of the Nazarene was introduced to the Philippines by Augustinian Recollect missionaries from Mexico.

Filipinos immediately developed a strong connection with the Nazarene because of the cross it carries, which represents the sacrifices and hardships endured by Christ.

Many Filipinos also see their own struggles reflected in the image of the Nazarene, as it symbolizes perseverance while carrying life’s burdens and challenges.