Manila: Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula will miss the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno on Jan. 9 as he is scheduled to attend the first Consistory of Cardinals called by Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. "He will miss us on January 9 but he said he will be monitoring our celebration," Quiapo Church Rector Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan said in his message during the fifth day of the Novena Masses on Sunday. "He is boarding the plane as he is included in the meeting that Pope Leo XIV has called for the Cardinals," the Quiapo official added.

According to Philippines News Agency, traditionally, the head of the Archdiocese of Manila leads the midnight Mass or Misa Mayor at the Quirino Grandstand on the day of the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno. For this year, the Quiapo Church said the Misa Mayor will be presided over by Balanga Bishop Rufino Sescon, the predecessor of Licuanan.

Aside from the Archdiocese of Manila, Cardinal Pablo David will be joining the Consistory of Cardinals set on Jan. 7 and 8 at the Vatican. The Kalookan Bishop asked the faithful to pray for the upcoming gathering. "Off for the Extraordinary Consistory of the College of Cardinals... Please include us in your prayers," said David in a social media post.

A Consistory is a formal meeting of the College of Cardinals and the Holy Father to discuss various issues that affect the Church.