A mass held in Quaipo Church before the Black Nazarene Feast
Through the years, thousands of faithful frequent Quaipo Church to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene. And in this year's celebration, I’ve become part of the research team to explore Quaipo before the said feast. Come with us as we discover this notable event that continues to touch the hearts of many Filipinos.
Millions of devotees are expected to join the January 9 procession of the religious image. And since it would be hard for us to cover the feast on the exact day, we decided to set it the day before the feast (January 8). Jp and I were nervously excited because aside from many people that we were going to encounter, it was our first time to do the job. We left the office at 3pm and arrived at Quiapo sometime past 4pm. That was how our first journey to the said miraculous Nazarene started.
As we were walking through the church, I saw lots of people with different lives and stories. Though it wasn't my first time to visit Quiapo, it was my first time to see stories in the eyes of the faithful. They go to Quiapo Church with hopes and beliefs that the miraculous Black Nazarene will grant their wishes and heal them from their illnesses. I noticed people praying in different ways. Some were raising their hands while the others were bending their knees just like asking for forgiveness. And one thing that really overwhelmed my heart was when I saw people crying and sincerely praying.
We were not permitted to take pictures inside the church because of the continuous mass ceremony, we stayed and spent most of our time outside the church. Here, we noticed lots of people including the devotees, media people from different networks, security groups, and vendors of different souvenirs and memorabilia of the Nazarene. Here, we interviewed some of the vendors about their point of view about the Black Nazarene and how it has touched their lives.
Outside the Quiapo Church during the mass ceremony
One man that caught my attention was Cesar Barro, a 43-year-old cripple and a vendor of Santo Niño images at Quiapo Church. He lives at Home for the Disabled in Our Lady St. Quaipo, Metro Manila, and considered himself as an independent man. I asked him about his faith and he said that the the Black Nazarene is a miraculous saint who once healed his illness. The Nazarene is his guide and inspiration to go on with his life and he added that whenever he does some unkind things that the Nazarene won't approve of, he will most likely get sick suddenly.
Cesar Barro, a devotee of the Black Nazarene
It’s an honor to meet one of the Philippine Journalists, Mr. Abner Mercado. He is a reporter, director and producer of ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs since 1999. Photo taken yesterday at Quiapo Church.
Before leaving Quiapo Church, we attended the 5pm mass and though I’m not a Roman Catholic, I still felt the spirit inside the church and gave myself time to pray and give thanks for the blessings I receive every day.
After the mass, we proceeded to Quirino Grandstand. It was past 7pm when we arrived and it was a surprise for me to see hundreds of people falling in line for the “Pahalik sa Poong Nazareno”. The line stretched all the way from Museo Pambata on Roxas Boulevard to the Quirino Grandstand. They were all waiting for the chance to touch the image of the Black Nazarene.
Today is another history for many Filipinos where millions of devotees are expected for the translation or transfer of the Black Nazarene statue at the church. This famous feast has become a modern tradition that is now entrenched in the Philippine culture. It only reflects that we, Filipinos, are really deep when it comes to religion and faith. We will do anything for faith because it is a way of life that gives purpose and inspiration to us.
VIVA Señor Nazareno!
Getting to Quiapo Church
If you are coming from Manila, going to the church is just an easy ride. The city is serviced by the Manila Light Rail Transit System, popularly known as LRT, as distinct from the MRT in other parts of Metro Manila. Just dropped by to Carriedo station or If you're coming from Lawton, Taft, Ermita or Roxas Boulevard and you're going to Quiapo Church via Quezon Bridge, the church is to your left so you need to get down the pedestrian underpass to get to Quiapo Church after crossing Pasig River.