Apostolic Administrator of Manila, Most Rev. Broderick S. Pabillo, D.D. led the ceremony of the opening of the Jubilee Door of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene on April 9, 2021, at 12:15 PM.
In his homily, Bishop Pabillo emphasized the meaning of the opening of the Jubilee Door: to not be fearful in spreading the good news, and the assurance of the companionship of Jesus.
“Matagumpay na Siya, ngunit Siya’y nababahala, Siya’y may malasakit pa rin para sa atin. He gives us assurance, He knows what’s happening to us and He cares kahit na sa ganitong kalagayan natin,” explained the Bishop.
Jesus’ resurrection is a reminder that He will never abandon His children even in His triumph. Bishop Pabillo is hoping that the eagerness of the faithful will be like St. John’s eagerness in serving Jesus, as recounted in the gospel.
“Sana po ganoon din ang ating attitude, patuloy na nanabik sa Diyos. Patuloy na gustong maglingkod sa Diyos, huwag tayong magsawa. Nandiyan Siya at paglinkuran natin Siya,” said the Bishop.
According to the Bishop, once the government allows Catholic Churches to celebrate mass publicly, individuals must take a chance to attend mass physically, receive the Holy Communion, go to confession, and commit themselves to serve the Lord.
“Kasi ang Diyos ay napaglilingkuran natin sa ating paglignkod sa ating kapwa lalung lalo na ngayong panahon ng pandemic, ang daming kapwang nangangailangan. Doon natin mapapakita ang ating pagmamahal sa Diyos,” he added.
Quiapo Church, or more formally known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, is also the Parish of Saint John the Baptist. The Church is home to the 17th-century life-sized image of the Black Nazarene, the image of Christ carrying the cross, to whom many Filipinos have a devotion. Many have experienced miraculous healings and answered prayers. (Fatima Llanza/RCAM-AOC)
IN PHOTO: Most Rev. Broderick S. Pabillo, Apostolic Administrator of Manila opens the Jubilee Door of Quipao Church on April 9, 2021, as part of the celebration of the 500 YOC in the Philippines. | Photo by SOCOM Quiapo
