Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila on Sunday reminded devotees of Jesus Nazareno that genuine faith is measured not by public display but by quiet acts of love, humility and service.
Preaching during the fifth novena Mass at Quiapo Church ahead of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno, Advincula stressed that devotion should be centered on Christ, not on oneself.
“This is the essence of our devotion to the Lord Jesus Nazareno. This is likewise the invitation and the challenge to each of us: He must be lifted up, and I must come down,” Advincula said.
He said the call goes beyond inspiring words and demands inner conversion.
“These are not merely beautiful words; they are a call to conversion—to come down from pride, to come down from anger, to come down from the belief that we are the center. And as we come down, Christ is gradually lifted up in our lives,” he said.
Advincula also criticized practices that seek recognition or reward even in acts of devotion, lamenting how “our world today is accustomed to gifts with names, labels and brands.”
He contrasted this with authentic devotion that does not seek visibility or praise.
“True devotion knows how to give without needing to be recognized, to serve without seeking praise, and to love without asking for anything in return,” he said.
The cardinal acknowledged that many devotees remain ‘nameless’ in the eyes of society, noting that their humility reflects the depth of their faith.
“Many of you devotees are nameless in the eyes of society. No fancy titles, no recognition. But your faith is very clear. Your love for the Lord does not need to be shown but just silently giving thanks and loving our Lord Jesus Nazareno,” Advincula said.
“When you hold the rope of the carriage, you do not shout, ‘Look at me.’ When you walk barefoot or on your knees, you do not say, ‘Praise me,’” he added. “What your heart proclaims is only one thing: Jesus must be exalted.”
Replica blessing
On Saturday, more than 3,000 replica images of Jesus Nazareno were blessed as part of preparations for the January 9 feast.
A total of 3,338 replicas were blessed outside Quiapo Church following the fourth novena Mass presided over by Infanta Bishop Dave Dean Capucao.
The activity lasted about seven hours and was among the church’s preparatory events for the annual Feast of Jesus Nazareno, according to Quiapo Church officials.
