Traslacion sa Davao 2021: Christ within us, do not be afraid

“Ayaw mo ug kahadlok, si Hesus kini!” (Mt 14:22-33) This year’s Traslacion theme inspires us to be humble, to join and show love to those who are suffering especially in this time of pandemic as Christ humbles himself by dying on the cross for our sins, and to remain faithful amidst the trials and tribulations that they face in their daily lives.

From December 31 to January 8, the devotees of the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo at the Our Lady of Peñafrancia GKK Chapel at DECA Esperanza Tigatto, Buhangin, Davao City spiritually prepared for the Traslacion fiesta on January 9 through the Novena Masses and Rosaries. Preparations were also made to ensure that health protocols are well-implemented to mitigate the risk of spreading of the coronavirus disease.

At 6:40 am on a cold Saturday morning of January 9, a mobile procession was held starting from the chapel towards Mandug and Callawa proper and back to Chapel. When the convoy escorting the replica image reached the center of Barangay Callawa, they were met by the devotees who were waiting for the arrival of the image at the NS del Pilar GKK Chapel. They waved their handkerchiefs as the convoy arrived and went to the chapel where the lay minister recited a short prayer and blessed the images and those who were present inside the chapel. Afterwards, the convoy left and went back at DECA GKK Chapel with the image arrived back at exactly 9:35 in the morning.

It was followed by a Fiesta Mass officiated by the parish priest of San Alfonso Maria de Liguori Parish, Rev. FR. Jemasol Ortiz, DCD. In his homily, he recalled the story of how the authorities of Quiapo Church discovered the official replica image of the Nazareno (Callejero 10) thought to be missing in their official records, and he exhorted the faithful attending the Fiesta Mass to be humble, to show acts of solidarity and love to their brothers who are suffering, in particular those who are afflicted by COVID. He also consoled those who are feeling down and losing hope in God that in times of suffering and tribulation, we should deepen and strengthen our intimate relationship with God in our daily lives. It is in Him, he says, that we can feel no fear or despair. He also reminded the faithful to follow the health protocols because he tells us that we must couple our faith in God with our actions of love and humility.

After the Mass, Fr. Jojo blessed the newly-built candelaria for the spiritual use of the devotees and officiated a mass baptism ceremony. The devotees then had a little salo-salo with the parish workers and parish youth. The chapel remained open to those who wanted to pray at the image until the doors were closed late afternoon.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have helped us in making this simple observance of the Traslacion 2021 here in our city successful. We would also like to thank the mission partners who have made this online livestream of the Fiesta Mass happen. We will also not forget those who have donated for the construction of the new candelaria house and we pray that may God bless them and hear their prayers.

The Official Replica of the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno is now permanently enshrined since Aug 16, 2015 at the Our Lady of Peñafrancia GKK Chapel, DECA Homes Esperanza Tigatto, Davao City. We invite all faithful to come visit our chapel provided that they follow the minimum health protocol and to tell their friends and relatives about His presence. Novena to the Black Nazarene is scheduled every Friday at 3.00pm. There is also Sunday Mass every 2nd and last Sunday of the month at 6pm. We hope that this simple observation of the Traslacion 2021 here in Davao City would give us hope and consolation to all Davao amidst the sadness, disappointment and frustration brought by the pandemic.

Viva Poong Jesus Nazareno! (Davao Nazareno FB Page)