"Our personal devotion reminds us to be positive and to go on with our lives; improve and make it better; serve others; love unconditionally, and become a guiding light."
Many Filipinos, united by their shared faith, consider the image of the Black Nazarene miraculous and a symbol of their collective devotion. Every 9th January, this shared faith brings thousands of devotees together to celebrate and show their piety before the holy image.
The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene is the place of "Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno" in Spanish or "Our Father Jesus the Nazarene" in English and in the Filipino Language called "Mahal na Poong Nazareno." It is considered one of the most venerated holy images of Christ Jesus in the Philippines. Spanish Authorities brought it to Manila via Mexico during its occupation.
Since then, there have been various theories regarding the unique black color of the image. Some believe it symbolizes the suffering of Christ, while others see it as a representation of the Filipino people's resilience and faith. Though there is no official story about how it got its color, the idea has attracted millions of Filipinos not mainly because of its uniqueness but because of the devotees' personal spiritual experiences.
Many people have shared their testimonials about answered prayers and special intentions, and that's how the church became a popular pilgrimage site among Filipino Christians. Throughout the years, people may change, and almost everything in its surroundings may have changed, but the image remains the icon of faith to devoted Filipino Christians.
My personal experiences at the Black Nazarene shrine have been deeply rewarding. Through my visits, I have celebrated the mass, venerated the holy image, and made petitions that have been granted, all of which I consider blessings from God.
On this day, I got the chance to visit Quiapo church and celebrate the feast of the Black Nazarene for the first time. Light rain showered upon us while entering the church, but it was still a blessing. It was a tremendous devotional experience as I strengthened my faith and expressed my spiritual vow, a promise to live my life in a way that honors the teachings of Christ. This vow has guided me in my daily actions and decisions.
Many Filipinos, united by their shared faith, consider the image of the Black Nazarene miraculous and a symbol of their collective devotion. Every 9th January, this shared faith brings thousands of devotees together to celebrate and show their piety before the holy image.
The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene is the place of "Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno" in Spanish or "Our Father Jesus the Nazarene" in English and in the Filipino Language called "Mahal na Poong Nazareno." It is considered one of the most venerated holy images of Christ Jesus in the Philippines. Spanish Authorities brought it to Manila via Mexico during its occupation.
Since then, there have been various theories regarding the unique black color of the image. Some believe it symbolizes the suffering of Christ, while others see it as a representation of the Filipino people's resilience and faith. Though there is no official story about how it got its color, the idea has attracted millions of Filipinos not mainly because of its uniqueness but because of the devotees' personal spiritual experiences.
Many people have shared their testimonials about answered prayers and special intentions, and that's how the church became a popular pilgrimage site among Filipino Christians. Throughout the years, people may change, and almost everything in its surroundings may have changed, but the image remains the icon of faith to devoted Filipino Christians.
My personal experiences at the Black Nazarene shrine have been deeply rewarding. Through my visits, I have celebrated the mass, venerated the holy image, and made petitions that have been granted, all of which I consider blessings from God.
On this day, I got the chance to visit Quiapo church and celebrate the feast of the Black Nazarene for the first time. Light rain showered upon us while entering the church, but it was still a blessing. It was a tremendous devotional experience as I strengthened my faith and expressed my spiritual vow, a promise to live my life in a way that honors the teachings of Christ. This vow has guided me in my daily actions and decisions.
There's a long procession of replicas of the Black Nazarene around the streets of Manila, and it is flocked by more than a million devotees who have tried to reach out to the divine image. Unique clothes with a printed image of the Nazarene are rubbed in the image, which is believed to bring a miracle or a blessing. I have never seen it personally, but I want to witness the scenario even once in a lifetime.
The significance of this event is not just a religious obligation but also a call to become more Christ-centered: to express and receive love, show compassion and empathy, remove doubts and fear, and strengthen our faith despite the challenges in everyday life.
Our devotion reminds us to be positive and continue our lives, improve and make them better, serve others, love unconditionally, and become a guiding light.
© 2013 Del Cusay
Our devotion reminds us to be positive and continue our lives, improve and make them better, serve others, love unconditionally, and become a guiding light.
© 2013 Del Cusay