Walking the Path of Gratitude: Devotees and Jesus the Black Nazarene Connection

Hundreds of faithful gathered at the Parish of Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Nazareno in Apokon, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, on January 9, 2024, to celebrate the annual feast of the Black Nazarene under the theme ‘Ibig po naming makita si Hesus’ – Juan 12:21.

The day began with a Eucharistic Celebration at 4:00 A.M. at the Parish of Christ the Eucharistic King, presided over by Rev. Fr. Jojit M. Besinga, the current Parish Priest of Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Nazareno, and concelebrated with his parish assistant, Rev. Fr. Ian Glenn G. Bungabong. The highlight was a two-hours (2 hrs.) traslacion, drawing devotees from the Parish of Christ the Eucharistic King, Magugpo Poblacion, Rizal St. to the Parish of Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Nazareno, Apokon. At 9:00 A.M., a Pontifical Mass began, celebrated by Most Rev. Medil S. Aseo, D.D., assisted with his deacons and concelebrated by several priests.

History Unveiled: The Journey of the Black Nazarene

QUIAPO CHURCH, PHILIPPINES

The fierce devotion behind Jesus the Black Nazarene, also known as Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno, Mahal na Poong Hesus Nazareno, or Mahal Na Poong Señor Nazareno, was crafted by a Mexican sculptor. It was brought by the first group of Augustinian Recollect missionaries from Acapulco, Mexico, to Manila on May 31, 1606. They brought with them a life-size image of Jesus Christ carrying a big wooden cross in a semi-kneeling position, clothed in a maroon-colored robe, with a crown of thorns and a diadem in the form of three silver rays. However, the ship caught fire, burning and charring the originally fair complexion of the image.

Msgr. Jose Clemente Ignacio, the rector of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, was interviewed by CNA (Catholic News Agency) about the people’s devotion to the image in 2015. According to him: “The image was first enshrined in St. John the Baptist Church at Luneta in 1606 and after two years was moved to a bigger church nearby. Over a century and a half later, in 1767, the image was transferred to Quiapo Church, whose patron is also St. John the Baptist. It is faith in Christ and the favors granted that intensify the devotion to the Suffering Christ, which was promoted by the Recollect Fathers.”

Pope Innocent X approved the statue for veneration in 1650 as a Sacramental, and Pope Pius VII gave the statue his Apostolic Blessing in 1880, which granted plenary indulgence to those who piously pray before the statue.

Msgr. Ignacio emphasized the religious transfer, which is called “Traslacion.” It means the transfer of the Image of the Black Nazarene. In a way, it is imitating the Calvary experience: the sacrifice and suffering that our Lord endured for our salvation, like when Jesus was walking barefoot, carrying the cross to Mount Calvary. The barefoot procession of an almost 4.3-mile journey starts from the Quirino Grandstand at Luneta, and after 19 hours of spiritual euphoria, the procession eventually reaches Quiapo at the Basilica Minore de Nazareno. The devotees flood by to touch the image and throw cloths to touch the image before receiving the cloths back.”

Msgr. Ignacio added, “Our culture is a culture of touch and, significantly, in a way, we want to touch heaven.”

Diocese of Tagum Welcomes Jesus the Black Nazarene

In a significant move in 2016, the then Parish Priest of Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Nazareno, Rev. Fr. Emerson L. Luego, sought and received permission to bring a replica of the Black Nazarene to the Diocese of Tagum. This gesture was approved by His Eminence Antonio Luis G. Cardinal Tagle, through Rev. Msgr. Hernando Coronel, Rector of the Minor Basilica of Black Nazarene and the Parish of John the Baptist, including also the celebration of its annual fiesta every January 09. On Dec. 04, 2016, Bp. Emeritus Wilfredo Manlapaz signed the decree of approval for modifying the name of the Parish into Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Nazareno Parish.

A Continuing Spiritual Journey

As the Black Nazarene finds a home in Tagum City, the annual celebration stands as a testament to unwavering faith and the enduring cultural touchstone it has become. The pilgrimage, the history, and the shared devotion create spiritual significance, uniting devotees in a profound and moving tradition. (Sara Mae Degamo Sotomil)