Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Nazareno 2019: Celebrating the Traslacion



Just a week after the New Year 2019 celebration on January 1st, Filipinos gather to celebrate one of the most prominent devotions to Jesus Christ—the feast of the Black Nazarene. This event, deeply rooted in Filipino culture and Catholic traditions, is a testament to the unwavering faith and devotion of the Filipino people.

My journey with the Feast of the Black Nazarene began in 2013. It was the first time I attended the mass at the Minor Basilica on its feast day, accompanied by my sister, whom I had persuaded to join me. Little did I know that this experience would mark the beginning of profound personal and spiritual growth. 

That was a solemn event on the church's facade as it was not so crowded that people could move freely. I missed it the following year in 2014 and 2015, and celebrated it again for 2 consecutive years in 2016 and 2017.  Compared to my experience, Nazareno 2013: Celebrating the Feast of the Black Nazarene was a bit crowded, but devotees are well disciplined to follow the rules inside and outsideNazareno 2013: Celebrating the Feast of the Black Nazarene was a bit crowded, but devotees are well disciplined to follow the rules both inside and outside of the church.

Nazareno 2016: The Feast of the Black Nazarene was a peaceful celebration of the faithful and devotees of the Holy Image. As I remember, it was well organized, and people were guided well by the Hijos Del Nazareno, or the "Sons of the Nazarene," who are the chosen ones to actively devote their time to protecting the Nazarene until their last breath.

Nazareno 2017: Devotion to the Feast of the Black Nazarene was a meaningful celebration as I contemplated the event's significance for our faith as Catholic Christians. It was also peaceful near the Minor Basilica as I heard the mass.

At this year's celebration, I brought my sister with me to hear the mass. It was so crowded outside the church that we could not get inside, so we preferred to stand outside to listen to the pack while watching on a big screen. After an hour, as the group ended, a drizzle of rain just poured over our heads. That was a blessing, as people would have believed it, and even I have asked for a Divine miracle through the rain to calm people down from the warm weather.

What's unique about this year's celebration was the incredible experience of witnessing the traslacion in Chinatown in Binondo, Manila. Many devotees joined and saw the grand parade of the original image of the Black Nazarene, followed by other pictures from different churches and local sectors. People shouted "Viva" to honor the Nazarene as they waived their white and maroon-colored hankies.

As the faithful glorified the Holy image, we've also witnessed untoward events like those needing medical attention. The sheer number of devotees and their fervent desire to get closer to the Holy image sometimes lead to situations where people need medical assistance. However, these incidents are often handled swiftly and efficiently by the authorities, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.


We can't get too close to the Holy image and are just content to see it from afar. In reality, seeing the event gives a particular emotion of happiness and fulfillment. I've only watched the traslacion as being reported live on TV for years, but I'm blessed to have been part of it this year.

Others may have questioned the event as a form of fanaticism, a term often used to describe excessive or irrational devotion to a particular belief or cause. However, for a devotee, the Feast of the Black Nazarene is a profoundly spiritual and personal experience. It's not about blind faith or irrational behavior but about a profound connection to one's beliefs and a testament to the power of faith in the face of adversity.

This event is beyond tradition. It is already embedded in our consciousness to strengthen our faith and get closer to God. We long for God's presence when we feel unloved, uncared for, and desperate.  When we think unsecured and in danger, we call for protection. We call for healing the body, mind, and spirit whenever we are sick.

We owe an eternal debt of gratitude to the Black Nazarene for his Holy Image, which has fortified the faith of millions of Filipinos. Despite the challenges that the church may face, our faith remains unshaken. We stand united, unwavering in our devotion, and undeterred by those who question our beliefs.

May the Holy Spirit be upon us daily and protect us from evil. May God enlighten us so we can speak our truth and inspire others to draw near to him. May we all be united to glorify Jesus, the divine image of the Black Nazarene. In this time and our lifetime, today and forever even until our last breath.

© 2019 Del Cusay