The year 2025 marked the third celebration of the Feast of Jesus Nazarene, a significant milestone as it was the first time the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) declared it a national feast. No longer referred to as the "Black Nazarene," the celebration extended beyond Quiapo, Manila, encompassing the entire Philippines and Catholic communities worldwide. The rector of Quiapo Church highlighted this historic shift in recognizing the festival's national significance.
The festivities at Sta. Martha Monastery began with a novena, followed by a procession attended by friends from various communities in Israel.
A special Mass, held beside Sta. Martha Church to bless a new altar, was presided over by Rev. Fr. Renato Santos Jr., with Fr. Mark Tobias providing invaluable support alongside groups from Shuffat.
Following the Mass, a group photo captured the joyous unity of attendees from diverse communities and organizations. Fr. Bensen Valeyavetil then offered a blessing before a shared lunch. The celebration continued with lively presentations and a ticket raffle, concluding with expressions of gratitude.
The success of the Feast was attributed to the unwavering support of the friends of Sta. Martha from across Israel. Rev. Fr. Mark Raegan Tobias, CP, along with Fr. Roel Belmis, CP, Fr. Bensen Valeyavetil, CP, and Fr. Emmanuel Gelles, CP, and the Passionist Volunteers expressed their sincere thanks to all participants. Their dedication, they stated, inspires continued service to Jesus Nazarene and the pursuit of faithful Catholic Christian lives.
This year's theme, "It is better to obey than to sacrifice to those who hope in Jesus," served as a call to obedience to God's will and to sacrifice with trust and love, emulating Jesus Nazarene.
Thank you to all who participated and supported the event. May God bless you all.
Viva Jesus Nazarene!
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