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. 

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

BLESSED: A CALL TO HOLINESS

He was the pope closest to the heart of many Filipinos.  He was the pope that beatified the most number of “blesseds” and the most traveled one at that. But now that he himself has been named as the New Blessed, Pope John Paul II continues to echo his call to holiness to each of the faithful.

On October 29, 2011, exactly one week after his appointed feast day, the Diocese of Cubao headed by the Most Reverend Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, DD., and the Araneta Center will stage the first ever musical concert and liturgical celebration in honor of Blessed John Paul II at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Entitled BLESSED: A CALL TO HOLINESS, the entire afternoon will be filled with thanksgiving, inspiring messages and musical numbers from the people who knew the beloved pontiff. Among the speakers are Rev. Fr. Francis Gustilo, SDB who is currently the only Asian member of the Vatican’s International Theological Commission and the Spiritual Director of the Couples for Christ, Ambassador Henrietta de Villa, former Ambassador to the Holy See, and Jo Grafil, former Executive Director of the World Youth Day. Their uplifting messages and testimonials will be interspersed by stirring musical performances by the Las Pinas Boys Choir, Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir, Holy Family Parish Youth Group of the Diocese of Pasig, the IL VOCE from the Ateneo High School and special surprise performers. The occasion will also mark the first time a theme song for Blessed John Paul II composed by Ryan Cayabyab with lyrics provided by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ will be performed.