Thousands of devotees filled the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo, Manila, for the 5 a.m. Easter Sunday Mass on April 20, 2025, presided over by Rev. Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan.

In his homily, Fr. Licuanan reminded attendees that the resurrection of Jesus is a call to leave behind sin and embrace new beginnings.

“Pag may wakas, may bagong simula. Pag may nasugatan, gagaling. Kapag nabigo… mapagtatagumpayan ang buhay dahil sa awa at biyaya ng Diyos,” he said.

He added, “Patawarin at palayain ang sarili… ang pag-amin ng kahinaan at kakulangan, at pagtanggap sa sarili na kailangan ng Diyos at ibang tao para makapagpatuloy sa buhay… iyan ang Easter.”

Among the early churchgoers was Cyril Chavez, who brought her three dogs with her. She said her Easter prayer is for the continued health of her pets, especially Paula, who previously recovered from a blood parasite.

“Lagi naming pinagdadasal na sana laging healthy sila, malayo sa anumang sakit, kaya sinu-sure namin na laging complete ang vaccine nila… lagi po namin sila kasama tuwing magsisimba kami,” Chavez said.

After recovering from a goiter operation, Lorna Litan came to give thanks and now prays for healing and strength for her nephew and brother.

“Yung pamangkin ko na pari, nagpa-transplant siya, then yung kapatid kong may birthday ngayon, na-angioplasty and angiogram from Heart Center. Sana ay bigyan pa sila ng mahaba-habang buhay upang makapaglingkod sa sambayanan,” she said.

To celebrate the end of Holy Week and the beginning of Easter, the church will continue holding hourly Masses until 7 p.m. this Sunday.