MANILA, Jan. 7, 2014—A high-ranking Church official reminds the faithful who may want to take part in the yearly procession of the revered Black Nazarene (Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno) to observe discipline, keeping in mind the sacredness of the feast.
The yearly procession of the Black Nazarene from Quirino Grandstand in Luneta to the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene is held annually on Jan. 9, and is attended by millions of devotees from all over the Philippines. (Photo: Raymond Sebastian)
“With his visit just nearing, let’s also take the Quiapo fiesta as an opportunity to show to the Holy Father that Filipinos have discipline in terms of their devotion, and know that it brings them closer to God and their neighbors,” Manila Auxilliary Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo told Church-run Radyo Veritas in an interview.
“I call on all Nazareno devotees to take to heart and live out the true meaning of what it means to be devoted … that is, prayer, sacrifice, penance, self-giving,” he added.
According to the prelate, who also chairs the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)’s Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs (ECPA), prayer, sacrifice, penance, and self-giving are some of the important things that make the true follower of the Nazareno.
The “Traslación,” or the ceremonial transfer of the centuries-old image of the Black Nazarene, a statue depicting the Lord in Passion, from Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, to its sanctuary inside the St. John the Baptist Parish Church (Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene), is held annually on Jan. 9, and is attended by millions of devotees from all over the Philippines. (Raymond A. Sebastián/CBCP News)
