The ninth of January serves as one of the most important dates for the devotees of the Black Nazarene—the dark-colored image of Jesus Christ carrying his cross.

On this day, the image of Jesus Christ is commemorated as it depicts His suffering from crucifixion in the early fourth century. Many Filipino Catholics give huge veneration to this day as they strongly connect with the struggles of Jesus Christ behind the reasons for his persecution: injustice, poverty, and becoming a political threat.

BRIEF HISTORY

The Black Nazarene is commonly known for wearing maroon and gold colors. It was carved in Mexico in the 16th Century and was brought to our county in 1606. The statue was first brought to San Juan Church in Bagumbayan—now known as Luneta, by Augustinian priests before being enshrined in San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Intramuros, Manila and now to Quiapo Church in Quiapo. In previous years, the holy procession would result in accidents due to the congested areas from the huge number of attendees. However, in 2014, former Mayor Manila Joseph Estrada declared it as a special non-working holiday for the first time in Manila’s history.

Meanwhile, in 2014, “Dungaw,” the traditional meeting of the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmen with the Black Nazarene in Plaza del Carmen in the Basilica Menor de San Sebastian, was performed after being stopped in the 1900s. During this time, the Traslacion would come to a halt in front of the devotees, and they would fall silent.

THE VIGIL

Before the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene begins, the image of the ebony-colored Jesus Christ is being brought to Quirino Grandstand, where thousands of its adherents line up to join the “pahalik” or to see the Black Nazarene. During the vigil, various activities such as singing, dancing, stage plays and even sermons from priests and bishops would also take place. The whole gathering continues until the early hours of the morning.

THE TRASLACION

Aside from the vigil, a mass is also being conducted in anticipation of the procession. Then the actual Traslacion starts at 5:30 a.m., where the Black Nazarene would be processed using the Ándas while being guarded by the Hijos del Nazareno, a special group of people who are only allowed to ride the Ándas during the whole duration of the procession. Some of them help the devotees climb up the carriage of the Black Nazarene to briefly touch the image or get even a scant wipe on it with a cloth to bring it home to their sick relatives and families whom they believe are in need of the miracle it holds.

Traditionally, the wooden, life-sized sculpture of Jesus Christ is believed to be miraculous because of its ability to heal incurable diseases and assist people in their most hopeless situations. Devotees believe that a simple touch, a wipe of cloth, or even kissing the feet of the image would cure them.

Throughout the Traslacion, followers would often wear maroon and gold-colored garments. They would also walk barefoot as a sign of penance during the “Walk of Faith” procession. They march through the streets in an attempt to catch sight of the image—even under the heat of the sun or sometimes in the freezing rain.

During the height of the pandemic, the church decided not to carry out the Traslacion because it would endanger the health of many devotees. They decided to conduct “Padungaw” or viewing where devotees would be able to see the image of the Black Nazarene.

THE CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST

The celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene and its themes of patience and suffering mirror the struggles and endurance of Filipinos. It reflects that they can overcome their problems and sufferings in the same way that Jesus dealt with his crucifixion, passion, and death on the cross.

In general, commemorating this pivotal day is a symbolic representation of the struggles that society faces. Although many devotees have different ways of giving thanks to some of the saints in the country, this type of practice is without a doubt one of the reasons why many Filipinos are able to find hope through these struggles and are capable of expressing their faith to the Almighty God.

Written by Bea Calizar