Restore Genuine Sense of Compassion

The rector of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno or Quiapo Church in Manila urged devotees to restore a “genuine sense of compassion,” a virtue he said that is steadily fading in society.

Speaking at the first National Balangay Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome on Nov. 26, Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan encouraged participants to help fellow devotees during next year’s “traslacion,” the annual procession of the image of Jesus Nazareno.

“If we truly have compassion, we should let everyone see Jesus Nazareno, especially the weak,” Licuanan said, stressing that a “true devotee” does not block the image but guides others to encounter Him.

The priest also voiced concern over the erosion of compassion in public life, including corruption. “Having compassion for our people prevents personal gain from public funds,” he said.

Licuanan urged those burdened by life’s struggles to find hope in the Nazarene, describing the image as a symbol of the resurrection despite suffering.

He also reminded the faithful to resist wrongdoing, even in difficult times. “We must never trade our souls for fleeting comfort or wrongdoing,” he said.

The rector called on devotees to unite in service to Jesus Nazareno and to follow the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of discipleship and harmony.

About 4,000 devotees from balangays nationwide attended the conference, which opened with a Mass led by Licuanan and concluded with an exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.