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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – At least 120,000 faithful Catholics joined the procession of the Black Nazarene here on Friday, January 9, according to police estimates.
The procession of the Black Nazarene in this city is the only authorized one outside of Manila.
The replica of the Black Nazarene housed at the Jesus Nazareno shrine contained a portion of the original Black Nazarene of Quiapo in Manila.
68-year-old Jeremias Nailgo traveled all the way from Pagadian City, some 7 hours away from Cagayan de Oro to join the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Nailgo said that he started joining the procession in 2012, since he could not join the one in Manila.
Nailgo said that he is happy there is one in Cagayan de Oro. “I have been seeking the intercession of the Black Nazarene for my health and my family’s welfare,” Nailgo said.
Another devotee Maria Sempron from Bukidnon carries with her a small Black Nazarene figurine. “I have been blessed by Jesus Christ, and we shall not forget to give thanks and praise to God,” Sempron said.
Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma in his homily during the vigil of the Black Nazarene at the Pelaez Sports Center said that each one must seek God and his glory.
Ledesma also asked the faithful for pray for the country and be the carriers of peace in Mindanao.
Ledesma also said that the peace with the Bangsamoro will lead the island to prosperity as it is only through peace and religious understanding that there can be lasting peace.
Ledesma added that one must also seek forgiveness from God that God’s love endures.
Life of sacrifice
“The Black Nazarene is the poorest of the poor, because of his love for us, his life, the ultimate gift of life,” Ledesma said.
Ledesma added that to seek God is to seek peace within, that the faithful become instruments of peace through their devotion to the Black Nazarene.
Ledesma asked, “Are we ready for a life of sacrifice, as what the Black Nazarene did for us?”
As the procession started around 4 in the morning, thousands waited along the route of the procession, braving the light rain.
Police Superintendent Lemuel Gonda, Director for Operations of the Cagayan de Oro City Police, said that they estimate at least 120,000 joined the vigil and procession.
The city disaster risk reduction and management council deployed and coordinated the procession.
– Rappler.com
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