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

The Epiphany: Lessons From The Three Wise Men

It was a long Christmas season for us Filipinos. It started as early as September 2018, and today marks its end as we celebrate the Epiphany or the Three Kings. I discovered its Christian significance after reading and understanding some of the published online articles. As a childhood story, I remember that the newborn Jesus was visited by the three wise men who were Kings and offered their gifts to Jesus, the Messiah, and the future King.

My knowledge about Catholicism as my religion is minimal. We had a Religious Studies subject when I studied at St. Paul in Iloilo City in 2002. We had the book entitled "Catechism for Filipino Catholics," which, until now, I could remember how I read through the pages but could not fully understand its writings. I didn't even bother to finish reading the entire book due to its thick pages, and the sad reality was I didn't pass my final exam on that subject and was given a chance to take it one more time.

Guest at the inauguration of St. Paul Hospital -
Cancer Center on October 19, 2016, Iloilo City

That was about fifteen years ago today when I couldn't even lead the Holy Rosary or memorize some essential prayers that my classmates and people of my age had mastered already. I wasn't prayerful back then, but I religiously attended the required First Friday Masses and religious retreats at school. It was even so hard for me to attend church to celebrate Sunday Mass in my childhood.

The time has changed, and the new generations of Christians are less deeply devoted to their religion. Parents may send their kids to a Catholic or Christian school, but their values may not reflect what they must have been taught. It might have started with my generation, but I don't know. We were the generation who enjoyed playing on the streets and being offline compared to the online world that the younger generation wants nowadays.

While I may not have fully appreciated the Catechism book in my youth, I have since matured in my religious contemplations. I now possess a deeper understanding of the significance of events in Catholicism and Christianity as a whole. Returning to the St. Paul Hospital Iloilo, I had a flashback of my religious teachings. The Catechism truly comes to life when we incorporate Christ into our lives through service to humanity.

The most profound interest in my religion started when I traveled and worked in India between 2011 and 2014. I could compare and contrast different religions founded by great men who are considered God. In India, I've watched videos about "The Bible" and read articles related to Christianity. I genuinely appreciate films about "Jesus" and the Christianity he founded. I remember it was just after the beginning of the millennium when I watched the movie "Passion of the Christ," Those kinds of films give meaning when what was written in a Holy scripture is put into real-like reenactment.

With the advent of technology, I no longer need to carry the thick, dark-page Catechism books. I now enjoy reading online articles about Christianity and watching Biblical films through online streaming apps. My understanding of the teachings is no longer tested in a written examination. Instead, my thoughts and actions are the true measure of my Catholic faith. I may have faltered in my Religious studies, but the real test lies in how I apply the teachings in my daily life through deep reflection on Religious articles and biblical films.

Whenever we celebrate any Catholic event or feast, I learn to read and understand its significance. I know its relevance in today's time when more people are becoming diverted and distracted by their faith.

Today, the King of nations may be acting or playing like God; the worst is denying or not believing in God. This is the test of our time, whether we will remain faithful or abandon our faith just because of the words or orders coming from our King. Today, we have our modern version of King Herod, who is envious of someone's light and Divinity. We are reliving the olden times, just like the stories in the bible. Our modern society is like reenacting the biblical films I've watched. It is happening again, and my time is tested as a Catholic faithful. My time, my loved one's time, and the next generations' time.

Even the kings with vast powers who may have belonged to other faiths have paid respect and gratitude to the newborn Christ. It shows humility in spirit and an honorable act to someone greater in power. If only our nation's great leaders had acquired those virtues like the three wise men, we would live in peace, like a paradise or a promised land. We need a King who shows courage, willpower, humility, compassion, and faith in his people.

It may be the end of the Yuletide season, but many Catholic events will be celebrated in the days and months to come.

May this journey to a deeper Catholic understanding lead to spiritual growth, maturity, and enlightenment. May it inspire us to serve beyond the digital world we currently live in. Let us hope that the younger generations will be taught to be responsible 'Kings' capable of influencing others in their thoughts and actions. As we go through our Christian initiations, may we fully accept and embrace God through the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, paving the way for a more faithful and enlightened future.

© 2019 Del Cusay

New Year 2019: Sunshine After The Rain

It was a glittering, sparkling, and noisy celebration—that was the end of 2018! Fireworks lit up the dark street as we welcomed the New Year 2019.

Just a few minutes before the clock turned exactly 12 A.M., signifying that the New Year had officially started, I shouted out loud with my vocal power to sing the famous "Auld Lang Syne." I belted songs by Michael Bolton, "Go the Distance," and the rock star Bon Jovi's "It's My Life" was randomly chosen from the thousands on the list.

Good thing that the weather was good after the rain had stopped for people and families to welcome the New Year with optimistic hopes and somehow to light up some fireworks too. Nothing could have prevented the Filipinos from walking in the rain to have last-minute shopping to buy food for 'media noche,' including the 12 or 13 different kinds of fruit that would bring good luck, wealth, and prosperity according to the traditional Chinese feng shui.

Nothing could have stopped us from enduring the long line to buy a chocolate cake with a signature "New Year 2019" on top. After all, it's nothing compared to the challenges we endured in 2018.

In the last 10 years, the New Year's Eve celebration has been more colorful and noisy, but now the noise and glitter are shorter. Festivals are becoming simpler but still memorable. Perhaps we strive hard to make each New Year celebration have something special on the table and be together with our dear family.

Some may have chosen to spend their time at a lavish 'year-end party with friends and acquaintances and enjoy the New Year countdown with them. I may even have the desire, but I always choose to spend the New Year with my family. Even how simple the celebration is, it gives a specific meaning that family is love, truly our love. A family who will be with us not only on the first day of the year but throughout the year and beyond.

Since 2012, I have spent precious time alone for some 'Year-end reflections or Year Reviews. I promised to reflect on how the previous year improved me, what I have accomplished, and what lessons I learned. Christmas in Our Hearts 2018: A New Milestone, Self-Renewal, and New Beginning was a roller-coaster ride. That year brought massive struck-like lighting and a tremendous wave-like tsunami. 2018 may not be favorable, but I have fulfilled some goals and learned valuable life lessons. Just like when the year has ended, a new and brighter year ahead awaits. Though we may never know what is on, we remain hopeful.

As I look back on the previous year, New Year 2018: Beyond the Limits brought a rough journey with an uncertain destination. Several distractions didn't serve an actual purpose. Being out of focus can be destructive and put limits on our actions and coveted goals.

Returning to the present, this New Year reflection is about my goals and aspirations to achieve for the year and carry over the previous years' experiences and life lessons. No matter how unfavorable it may be, it is still part of my past and can be part of my present and future endeavors.

Higher level of endurance

My previous corporate jobs and positions required tremendous physical power. I have learned to improve my physical and mental stamina through the years since I learned to adopt powerful physical exercises and meditation, which I have not practiced actively for about 3 years already. May 2019, bring back lighter and more active physical energy through simple yet powerful exercises and meditation. 

Physical Grounding 

A few years ago, I realized that nature has given us a way to stay grounded or connected with our roots. With our busy lifestyle and stressful day-to-day routine, we must remember to be dropped. Our mind takes us somewhere else, and we do not feel the natural elements of the earth for healing. Back in my hometown about 3 years ago, I put some medium-sized fine stones to add natural ingredients to our little garden. I would then invite my mother to take a barefoot walk with me. It gives a physical grounding effect aside from the natural reflexology it provides. 

May this year bring me to places close to nature and experience real physical grounding. To leave footprints in the sand, camp by the beach, and sit on the shore. 

Emotional health

Feeling angry is normal, but uttering words that are not good might be hard to take back. Thus, one thing that I have learned is to be in control of emotions. It may be the hardest thing for me to do, but that is good for my emotional health. Sometimes, I must keep quiet to avoid an argument despite the urge to do so. Now, I would understand people's actions and intentions and apply self-restraint in choosing words and appropriate actions. 

Mindfulness and Social Awareness

Being mindful is good for mental health. Prayer and meditation help us look beyond ourselves and look for opportunities to serve someone or a larger community. I have been part of a group that gives excellent service to humanity through social projects. However, I have not followed through for years. May this year open another door to reach out to people for empowerment.

The Power of Now

One thing that I have learned is to act in the moment whenever possible. Procrastinating is delaying things; soon, when there's a lack of inspiration, it's hard to do it. Being present at the moment is also mindful and could prevent us from having doubts, fears, and frustrations.

When I acted on my dream to start a business independently, I didn't wait to have everything perfect or accumulate more knowledge. I simply made the first move, and everything followed according to plans.

Grit and Perseverance

When all else fails, I have to accept things as they happen, analyze the situation, find a solution, and move on to what's next. Whatever happens, no matter how difficult the road is, I must survive the odds and keep the fire in me to reach my dreams. With relentless desire, the highest hopes, and a positive spirit, I can make things possible for myself. If I dream of it, then I can achieve it.

The New Year's resolutions list may be endless, but these are the topmost achievable priorities for now. As I remember, those 2 songs I have sung may subconsciously be what I am. I always aspire to "Go the Distance" to reach the extra mile. I also take control of my life because "It's My Life" is my life, and I must live it. And remember those people who made a sacrifice to walk in the rain? They may have been over and gone through the pain.

A blissful New Year 2019!

© 2019 Del Cusay