18/08/2026
Ecce Homo Update I 8th Day Novena Mass
The Ecce Homo San Fernando Community solemnly celebrates the 8th Day of the Novena Mass in honor of the 4th Fiesta Celebration of Ecce Homo. The Holy Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Eusebio Berdon, OSA, House Prior of the Sto. Niño Spirituality Center, together with Augustinian concelebrating priests.
In his reflection, Fr. Berdon highlighted the biblical and historical foundations of Ecce Homo, which beautifully unveil the immense love of God for humanity. He centered his reflection on a compelling question: “Among the many images that could have been brought to the Philippines during Magellan’s expedition in 1521, why were the Sto. Niño, Ecce Homo, and Virgen de los Remedios chosen?”
According to Fr. Berdon, these three images represent essential dimensions of the Christian faith. The image of the Child Jesus, the Sto. Niño, represents the mystery of the Incarnation, emphasizing the profound reality that God became human and chose to walk with us. The image of Ecce Homo, the suffering Christ, represents the Paschal Mystery, revealing a God who suffered and died for us and rose again for our salvation. Meanwhile, the image of Our Lady, Virgen de los Remedios, points to Mary’s unique role in the mystery of salvation and her participation in the bond between God and humanity. Through her fiat, Mary became the Mother of God and, in Christ, our Mother.
These three sacred images are profound symbols of God’s great love for humanity. However, Fr. Berdon reminded the faithful of two dangers that can hinder our response to this divine love: pride and self-sufficiency, as reflected in the readings of the day.
The First Reading, taken from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, presents the tragic fate of a king who, because of his pride, regarded himself as God and believed that he could accomplish everything by his own strength, without God. His arrogance ultimately led to his downfall. Jesus reiterates the same message in the Gospel when He teaches that “it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”
Fr. Berdon emphasized that a person who becomes overly dependent on his own power, wealth, and abilities can easily forget his need for God. Yet Jesus reminds us that “for human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Thus, following Christ requires humility—recognizing our limitations and acknowledging our complete dependence on God.
Lastly, Fr. Berdon directed the attention of the faithful to the dignity of the human person, emphasizing that its foundation lies in the profound truth that every person is loved by God. Through the mystery of the Incarnation, represented by the Sto. Niño, God entered into our humanity and became one with us. In the image of Ecce Homo, the suffering Christ reveals the depth of God’s love for humanity. Through His suffering, death, and resurrection, the dignity of humanity wounded by sin is restored, and we are welcomed as children of God. Finally, through Our Lady, Virgen de los Remedios, we are reminded that Mary is not only the Mother of Jesus but also our Mother. Having received her Son, Jesus Christ, in the image of Sto. Niño, we are likewise entrusted to her maternal care. Mary continually leads us toward her Son and reminds us of our dignity as beloved children of God.
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