TRASLACION 2013: A Decade of Faith

2013 is very special year for me, because it's my 10th year as a devotee of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo. I actually started the devotion back in high school , and every year , I made sure to go there as a thanksgiving to all the things I have today . But do not go barefoot or pull the ropes, I would go there to attend Mass and offer prayers and thanksgiving . Sometimes it had crossed my mind if I tried to take part, however when I took a closer look at the wild chaotic rope bearers , I assessed that is not my nature and I would need intensive training for that. I do want to live long enough to see my prayers were answered.

Actually , it's not really necessary to battle it out for one to get to the Nazarene , it just so happened that there were too many devotees of the Black Nazarene , as if it was a war zone just to touch an inch of the Nazarene . Well , because of this, devotee critics denounce the fanaticism of the statue of Jesus. But I realized that FAITH in God  have provoked them into doing unusual  yet spiritual things . However it's just sad that there are some "devotees" who still continue on their sinful routine in their lives despite doing these sacrifices which loses the value of faith to the Nazarene.

TRASLACION 2013: Feast of The Black Nazarene PRIMER

January not only means the start of the year but also the start of the Philippine festivals which are largely followed and before the major regional festivals like Sinulog of Cebu, and Dinagyang of Iloilo, it all starts with the feast of the Black Nazarene that is attended by millions of devotees, including myself, to flock to the dense district of Quiapo and also join in the procession from Luneta to the Quiapo church. 

The feast has been a tradition for more than 400 years and has gone through many challenges and milestones which have been etched into the spirituality of Filipino Catholics. And in every festival, it becomes the most dense place on earth with many of the devotees made a pilgrimage from cities in Metro Manila and even some from  provinces like Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, and Pampanga. 

Friendly Reminders for Devotees of the Black Nazarene

Here are some tips and warnngs that devotees and tourists should keep in mind when going to the feast of the Black Nazarene (Translacion 2012) in Quiapo and Luneta.

1. Pack less- don't bring unnecessary devices  that can be targets by snatchers.

2. Bring a towel and water umbrella and extra shirt - rain or shine it is still hot and you need to wipe the sweat off. the last two indeed will come in handy.

3. Do bring footwear - though people said its tradition/devotion, do not torture yourself because there are many sharp and rough surfaces along the way.

4. Place your backpack in front - aside from professional snatchers there are also "slashers"

5. When planning to be a "mamamasan" (rope pullers) - better to have a group to always know where you are and know if you are OK.

6. For mass goes - to get inside the church it would take 1 mass to go in 1 mass to go out.

7. Know places in the Quiapo/Sta Cruz area - with swarms of people better know escape alleys and places to avoid also.

8. Bring candies and a mini first aid kit - better be safe even on your own. Candie help remove nausea.

9. Organize your things before going - this will save the hassle of looking for money, food and religious items. 

10. Be vigilant - though it a enriching faith experience to celebrated with solemnity. Crooks might take advantage of you even while in prayer.

For those who want to stay at home and avoid the chaos live streaming is available at www.manualtolyf.com and www.quiapochurch.com

Live Streaming from Luneta for the Feast of the Black Nazarene

For those who are devotees of the Black Nazarene, Here is the live streaming from Luneta for the Traslacion . Will be there later to avoid the chaos. Hourly masses happens from 3 AM-12 NN, 3 PM- 9 PM.  Procession will start 8 AM.

Viva Senor Nazareno!

I also hope to make a video blog within the day, you can also read the post I had for the feast last 2011 and 2010. Here is also a video of Nuesto Padre Jesus Nazareno inside the church.

Traslacion 2012: The Feast of the Black Nazarene Tomorrow!

After Christmas and the New year, The feast of the Black Nazarene is the first major feast day that happens on January 9. And I have been a part of this celebration since 2003 way back while I was in high school. And via providence, I was able to attend those years with no injury, no stolen items but just inspiration and faith seen with the sea of people who cling to faith to help them in their needs.

And it has been more than 400 years since this has started and has drawn millions of devotees. Even people from  far flung provinces patiently join in the procession. I never tried to pull the rope because I go alone and always brought a bag. Like Misa De Gallo, will also have a post for the Translacion 2012 and also on its 3rd year now.

Let see what happens tomorrow! 

Viva Señor Nazareno!

 More updates on their new website www.quiapochurch.com

The Feast of the Black Nazarene in the new decade

Yes, as we see that we are now in the new decade. And one major event in January for Filipino Catholics would be the feast day of the Black Nazarene. I am actually a devotee to the Nazareno, and I started going to Quiapo since I was in High School. Since this event attracts millions, as in millions of people, I still observe being spiritual but also vigilant since there would be a lot of people taking advantage of these situations. And with the numbers, always expect that you will be squished within the density of people.

The purpose of the procession (or traslacion meaning to transfer as it re-enacts the scene that it was transferred from its original church to the parish of St. John the baptist) to witness devotees pull the float of the Nazarene as it goes around the Quiapo district. But in rare occasions like this year, the procession would start from Luneta (or Bagumbayan) to Quiapo church. And for more than 400 years it has been a very long traditions that grew up and also transferred from generation to generation.

One sad thing though amidst the spiritual experience as one would come near the statue of the Nazarene are very perilous and fatal risks in even getting close to it. There would be a lot of incidents of being trampled by the crowd, hurting your feet, unable to breathe within the swarm of people, and even falling head on the street. And yet, the parish church officials never fail to remind people to be more careful and be patient to avoid these mishaps. Fatalities would be expected as well as the injured people. It would also a long time before there will be practically zero deaths and injuries. Though its unknown that they did it because of inspiration, or plain too dependent of the miracles that the Nazareno will bring.

However, the spiritual fruits for other people (including me) has been very inspiring and uplifting. You would also hear and read a lot of stories of faith and thanksgiving to the Poon that serves as the living proof of the great influence of the Nazarene to the Filipinos.. Because of its popularity, there are also processions in Cagayan de Oro City and Bataan, however the intensity in Manila is greater.

For this year's feast, It was literally a sea of people even at the wee hours of midnight as devotees still pour to Luneta park. Some made tents or placed mats to sit on or sleep, while some lined for hours just to have a few seconds holding the statue of the Nazarene. Actually me and my mother was one of them and patiently waited as the line moved but as the line is getting longer the possibility of getting to the Poon would be impossible. Then the line just collapse as there were announcement that it needs to be cut off due to the program. As we heard mass led by the Cardinal, the excitement as the procession would start. And it took some hours just to move it very slowly and leaves the perimeter of Rizal Park.

Sad thing though that garbage would be visible as the crowd focuses on the procession and leaves the park, but luckily there were volunteers who cleaned the mess but it would be better that as true devotees we also learn to respect and preserve nature since its also a gift from us. But overall, still amidst all the inconveniences and tiring experience, I still feel that there was a wonderful grace that I felt even I have not walk bare footed nor hold the rope. It was an assurance that faith would take us to new heights and inspire us to challenge ourselves.

Here is my post for the traslacion 2011.