In the Cradle of Quiapo Church

The Day before the Black Nazarene Feast

The continous mass in Quaipo Church before the Black Nazarene Feast

Through the years, thousands of faithful frequented Quaipo church to celebrate the feast of the Black Nazarene. And this year celebration, I’ve become part of the research team to explore the picture of Quaipo before the said feast. Come with us as we discovered this one of the most notable events in our country that continues touching the heart of many Filipinos.

Millions of the devotees are expected to join the January 9 procession of the religious image. And since it is harder for us to cover the feast on the exact day, we decided to set it the day before the feast (January 8).  Me with my co-writer Jp are excited with a little bit of nervous because aside from many people that we are going to encounter, it is our first time to do the job. We left in the office at 3pm and arrived in Quiapo past 4pm. Here, it starts our first journey to the said miraculous Nazarene.

As we walk through the church, I saw lots of people with different faces of lives and story. Though it is not my first time to visit Quiapo, it is my first time to see stories in the eyes of the faithful. They go to Quiapo church with hopes and believe that the miraculous Black Nazarene will grant their wishes and heal them from their illness. I noticed people praying in different ways. Some are raising their hands while the others are bending their knees just like asking for forgiveness.  And one thing that really breaks my heart is when I see people crying and sincerely praying.

Because we are not permitted to take pictures inside the church because of the continuous mass ceremony, we stayed and spend most of our time outside the church. Here we noticed lots of people including the devotees, media from different networks, security group, and vendors of different souvenirs and memorabilia of the Nazarene. Here, we interviewed some of the vendors on their point of view about the Black Nazarene and how it touches their lives.

Outside  the Quiapo Church during the mass ceremony

One man that catches my attention is Cesar Barro, a 43-year-old crippled and a vendor of Santo Niño in 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 some of the questions regarding on his faith and Cesar said that the Black Nazarene is a miraculous Saint that once heal him from his illness. The Nazarene is his guide and inspiration to go through lives 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 we leave the Quiapo Church, we attended the 5pm mass and though I’m not a Roman Catholic, I still feel the spirit inside the church and give myself time to pray and give thanks for the blessings I’ve had every day. 

After the church mass, we proceed to Quirino Grandstand to get some of the information. It is past 7pm when we arrived and it is a surprise for me to see hundreds of people falling in line for the “Pahalik sa Poong Nazareno”. The line stretches all the way from Museo Pambata on Roxas Boulevard to the Quirino Grandstand. They are all waiting for the chance to touch the image of the Black Nazarene.

Tomorrow 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 all heart 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 Senor Nazareno!