The Filipinos as Roman Catholic devotees are known to be overly zealous and extremely fanatic. They believe that their intentions will be eventually be answered and rewarded. Being a nation with a predominantly Roman Catholic population, the Philippines is consistently regarded as a very religious nation, the only one in the Far East and the fourth in the world after Brazil, Mexico, and the US.
When there is faith, there is devotion, extreme devotion. Filipinos are innately sentimental and emotional that they turn to a Greater One for aid and salvation during times of need. One of the most popular religious icons whose blessings and intercessions are most sought-after -aside from the Mother of Perpetual Help during Wednesdays in Baclaran, St. Jude during Thursdays in Mendiola, Santo Nino in Tondo during first Fridays, the Virgin of Penafrancia in Naga, the Virgin of Good Voyage in Antipolo, and Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan- is the Black Nazarene of Quiapo during Fridays.
The life-size image of the Black Nazarene, believed to have been originally carved by an Aztec carpenter, is made of dark-colored wood and sailed to Manila all the way from Mexico. The color of the religious statue has always been a puzzle to many especially among first time devotees. A lot of theories to justify the statue’s unusual color arose. Early belief was that the galleon carrying the newly-carved statue caught fire that turned its original light color into black or burnt tone. Others said that it was carved from teakwood, a type of wood that gradually turns black in the passing of time. But for whatever truth there is and whichever theory justifies the cause, for the millions of the Black Nazarene devotees, it’s always the very sanctifying spirit attached to the statue that truly matters. It’s not the totem per se but the very spirit represented by the image that they worship and venerate.
The Black Nazarene was brought to Manila by the first group of Augustinian Recollect friars on May 31, 1606 and on September 10, 1606, it was initially housed in the first built Recollect Church in Bagumbayan, which is now Rizal Park.
After two years, the image was transferred to a much bigger place to accommodate its growing number of devotees. The Recollect fathers dynamically promoted devotion to the suffering of our Lord that the image represented and duly created the establishment of the Cofradia de Santo Cristo on April 21, 1621. The confraternity finally obtained Papal approval on April 20, 1650 from Pope Innocent XI.
In the year 1787, after more than a century, Archbishop Basilio de Santas Junta y Rufina ordered the transfer of the image to the Church of Quiapo under the patronage of Saint John the Baptist. Since then Quiapo Church, now a Minor Basilica, has been the permanent shrine of the Black Nazarene.
The Black Nazarene had overcome a number of miraculous events. It has survived the great fires that destroyed and gutted Quiapo Church in 1791 and 1929, the horrendous earthquakes of 1645 and 1863, and the destructive Bombing of Manila in 1945 during World War II.
As time went by, the already numerous devotees kept on multiplying. Hordes and millions kept coming back every January 9, the Feast of the Black Nazarene, barefoot (to symbolize humility, penance, and an imitation of Christ’s journey to Calvary while bearing the heavy cross), and armed not only with white towels and unconditional faith, but with lots of energy to be able to endure the day-long procession under sweltering heat and sometimes, sudden downpour.
To keep and maintain the most revered statue, caretakers apply oil daily to preserve its texture and dress it up seven times a year. Marcela Manlaki, a seamstress and embroidery master, has been a long time devotee and wardrobe maker of the Black Nazarene. She personally hand embroiders every garment with gold thread from 2 to 3 months and in some cases, shorter when she has a helper.
The Black Nazarene, incidentally, is publicly exposed via processions on three annual occasions only: on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and January 9 to commemorate the first novena, the official transfer or trnaslacion, and the enshrinement in its present Basilica.
This year, the initial influx of devotees that attended the 6:00 mass celebrated by Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle was estimated at 500,000. But based on the thousands that lined the streets then joined the crowd as the procession moved on, authorities expected the growing multitude to swell from nine to ten million. Security was reinforced to insure public safety. But as the number of participating devotees increases, the incident rate also rises.
Devotees relentlessly struggled and exerted their mightiest efforts just to hold, kiss, or wipe the religious relic’s feet. From afar one could witness the sea of faithful inching their way in the procession while chanting “Nuestro Jesus Nazareno” as they waved white towels and hankies, defying intense high temp, hunger, thirst, and possible stampede or untoward incident that could erupt anytime.
For numerous enterprising Pinoys, this is one of the most opportune times to propel their business by selling souvenir items, foods and drinks while simultaneously fulfilling their religious obligation.
The Filipino Catholics are, by nature, known to be devoted and offer unconditional faith in their patron saint. The veneration and extreme devotion to their favorite saints is neither fanaticism nor idolatry of sort.
There are already documented and proven testimonies of healings, miracles, grants, and supplications attributed to the Black Nazarene that has enticed more and more devotees. Their faith grows even stronger every day as they untiringly pour out their devotion to the miraculous Black Icon.
According to Monsignor Jose Clemente Ignacio, Rector of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene: “Kissing or holding on to the statues isn’t worshiping at all. It is merely connecting to the Divine, to touch, and be touched by Heaven, itself!”
“It is a Filipino trait to always want to wipe, touch, kiss, or embrace sacred objects if possible. We Filipinos believe in the presence of the Divine in sacred objects and places. It is an expression of one’s faith, an expression of devotion. We all know we don’t worship statues. We worship God and these statues were made after God’s image. If these statues would bridge us to be with God, so, the religious practice.”
From this writer’s point of view: There’s nothing objectionable in the excessive display of devotion or over attachment to a religious statue or object for even in our day to day routine, we treasure pictures of our loved ones and those dear to us. Enslaved by our zealous affection, we tend to kiss their photographs, place their framed images close to where we are, and regularly celebrate occasions that are special to us. That’s why I couldn’t understand why people could suddenly snap from the faith they were born with and instantly turn iconoclast and practice aniconism or the avoidance of the use of images for religious reasons.
But I’m not here to preach or judge. I just want to share some bits of ideas crowding my mind. Every one of us has the right to worship which ever god we prefer or choose, depending on which spiritually appeal to us and to whom we could totally entrust our belief for salvation.
Current and upcoming events
• Mananghaya’s 40th memorial: The family of the late Michael Tristan Mananghaya is inviting relatives and friends to his 40th day memorial service this Saturday, January 12 at 4:30 PM at the St. Bridget’s Church along 372 Montgomery Street, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302. A dinner reception will follow at #27 Broadman Parkway, Jersey City, NJ 07094.
It will be recalled that the vibrant 38-year-old father of five met a freak accident on his job that resulted in his tragic death last Dec. 4. A jocular fellow, a budding singer, a loyal friend, a supportive brother, a loving son, a good family provider, and devoted husband, Michael’s untimely demise didn’t just come as an emotional jolt but more than a dagger that has torn the hearts of everybody whose lives he has touched.
• My Wife Turns 56: After being married to my wife for 36 years, I’m still amazed with the constant discoveries I find about her every single day. Turning 56 on Wednesday, January 23, Venny Dealca Yalong remains to be an enigmatic partner with the usual woman mood swings and full of surprises since the first day I met her in 1976 and married her a year later.
A nurse by profession and a doting granny of seven courtesy of our three sons (who are also nurses like her), Venny loves holding big but intimate parties at home for our family and friends.
This year, I still don’t have the slightest clue of what my sons’ (Brian, John, and Kenneth) plans for their mom’s big day. But one thing is certain: our grandchildren will be the ones to enjoy whatever sort of celebration there is for they just so love every family gathering we have.
• A Winter to Remember: Just when you thought the abundance of high-caloric food is over after the holidays, think again! A well-planned social event is slated on Saturday, January 26 from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM at the Sheraton La Guardia Hotel located at 135-20 39th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354.
The high spirited occasion does not only promise a grand bash but a specially conceptualized event with festive dinner buffet, an open bar, attractive raffle prizes, pricey auctions, and an entertaining program.
Interested parties and those who haven’t gotten over the “high” that was brought about by the Christmas season, you may call Margie Wisotsky for reservations and more info at 347-526- 3271.
• Ramona’s 65th B-day Bash: This lady seems not really familiar with the phrase “slow down and relax” or might not have heard about the word “rest.” After her well-attended and successful 40th Wedding Anniversary last December, Ramona Gapasin will turn 65 on February 23. The never-tired Ramona just can’t help but plan for another memorable event although this time, lesser in scope.
For this event, she really prefers something more intimate with unlimited food and drinks and most of all, a lot of time for socializing and dancing. Ramona’s birthday party is slated at Fiesta Grill Restaurant located at 819 West Side Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey 07306.
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