The Feast of the Black Nazarene

January is one of the busy months for Catholics as religious festivals kick off beginning with the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene tomorrow January 9, 2013.  The Black Nazarene will leave its home which is the Quiapo Church for a procession in the Quiapo District of Manila and other nearby areas such as the Luneta . Other  Black Nazarene statues will also be in the procession so that they will be formally blessed.  Today is the 'Pahalik sa Poong Nazareno"  During this ceremony, devotees can touch or kiss the Poong Nazareno or wipe Him with their hankies.  The Poong Nazareno is believed to be miraculous and have granted many prayers and petitions.

The Black Nazarene is a life-sized statue of Jesus carrying a big cross which is a symbol of his passion and sacrifices. It is originally from Mexico and was brought here to Manila in the 17th century.  The statue used to be fair in complexion however, it turned black after the ship that was carrying the Senor caught a fire, but the statue miraculously survived and has been residing officially at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene which is located in the busy district of Quiapo.  

I've never joined any of the processions of the Poong Nazareno, but I am awed at the devotion of the devotees, even to the point of them walking barefoot for 22 hours under the sun and even after sundown.  For devotees, walking barefoot is a symbol of sacrifice and humility along with other forms of penance.   If you have seen television footages, you will see millions of people join the event each wanting to express their love and devotion to the Poon. And even if I am not a devotee,  I would like to join them by simply saying "Viva Senor"

photo is from: demotix.com