Faith in the Black Nazarene is deeply Filipino

The Black Nazarene is a life-sized, dark, wooden sculpture of Jesus Christ carrying the cross while representing his passion and suffering and is believed to be miraculous by many Filipino Catholics. Originally white, the recent black complexion of the Black Nazarene was believed to be the result of a fire from the galleon ship in which it was boarded upon its arrival from Mexico. The feast of the Black Nazarene is celebrated every January 9, which commemorates the “Traslacion” (passage) transfer of the Black Nazarene to its present location in the Quiapo church.

Adherence of the feast is filled with religious fervor. Many devotees believe that if anyone who can climb and touch the image, it could heal serious illness. Some who could not make it atop would throw towels at the guards with requests to wipe the towels at the statue for it is believed to have healing powers.

This religious fervor is deeply rooted among Filipinos. This is what made the identity of Filipinos. By their great devotion and piety, the feast of the Black Nazarene is one of the most attended religious gatherings in the Philippines and Faith makes that possible.

If only the devotees of the Black Nazarene could find a way of harnessing the immense power of Faith to surpass ourselves as a nation of corrupt politicians then our Faith will not forever be fixated to icons and images.

Reference: The Feast of the Black Nazarene. (2016, Dec 10). Retrieved from studymoose.com