MANILA, Jan. 6, 2010—The rector of Quiapo Church in Manila called on the millions of Black Nazarene devotees to use its feast day on Sunday as an occasion to pray for the unborn.
Monsignor Jose Clemente Ignacio said the feast day is a significant event for Catholic believers to ask God to bless families and to inspire society to embrace each and every life.
“We are calling on the people to value life and pray for the protection of unborn,†Monsignor Ignacio said.
“Let’s also pray for the mothers who have problems in their pregnancy. Let’s help them. I pray that our nation will be a cradle of life and love,†he said.
The feast of the Black Nazarene is considered one of the Philippine’s biggest and spectacular yearly religious events.
Every year some four million devotees from all walks of life come to Quiapo district to join the procession.
During the procession, some mayhem always took place as devotees struggle to get close to the life-size Black Nazarene statue.
Many devotees believe that wiping a piece of cloth of just touching the image can wash away sins, cure illnesses or bring miracles.
Monsignor Ignacio said that Catholics should pray for the diving protection for every human being called to existence.
Making a moment of common prayer for the protection of the unborn has been one of the priest’s personal goals.
Late last year, the Quiapo Church has been the venue for several prayer rallies against the passage of the controversial reproductive health bill which seeks to promote the use of contraceptives. (CBCPNews)
