Bishop warns against exploiting Nazareno devotion for profit

Bishop Rufino Sescon Jr. of Balanga warned that devotion to Jesus Nazareno is being exploited for financial gain and urged Church leaders to protect its spiritual integrity. Speaking during a keynote address at the first National Conference of Spiritual Directors of Jesus Nazareno Devotees in Quezon City on Oct. 8, the former rector of Quiapo Church stated that people are making money from the devotion.

Sescon advised devotees to move beyond physical religious practices to become missionary disciples who proclaim the Gospel. He cautioned against measuring faith by the physical suffering experienced during the Traslacion, the annual procession held on Jan. 9. According to Sescon, devotion is measured by love rather than the number of times a person climbs, is jostled, or suffers wounds.

The bishop stated that devotion lacks substance without obedience and love, noting that authentic faith requires Christian living and service. He encouraged priests and pastoral leaders to establish formation programs to assist devotees.