Nazareno, a feast of faith

MANILA, Philippines – Millions of devotees gather every year for the Feast of the Black Nazarene. In its frenzy, the procession can injure and harm participants, or even worse. Yet many devotees brave the crowd believing it’s a way to keep their faith strong and change their lives for the good.

Jodesz Gavilan reports.

The roads of Manila turn into a sea of maroon and yellow as millions of people take part in the procession to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene. 

Most of these devotees have been doing this for decades for various personal reasons.

For Reynaldo Dela Cruz, a devotee of 32 years, it is to atone for his sins in his younger years. 

REYNALDO DE LA CRUZ, DEVOTEE: Noong araw, ano ako, sira ulo. Adik, lasinggero, nangaaway. Sinama ako ng kapatid ko para mamamanata at nawala na iyong mga bisyo na iyon. Kaya ngayon, sinama ko yung mga kapitbahay at kaibigan ko para mamanata na rin. (I used to be an addict, a drunkard who picks fights around. I started joining the procession because of a sibling who brought me along. My vices disappeared. I’ve been doing this for 32 years now. That’s why I also invite my family and friends to also carry out the devotion.)

Despite the huge crowd and the dangers it presents, Dela Cruz has no plans of stopping.

For him, the centuries old image of the Black Nazarene is the only ray of light in his life. 

REYNALDO DELA CRUZ, DEVOTEE: Maraming pagsubok sa buhay yun ay inaano sa poong Nazareno lahat po yan nawawala pagkatapos naming mamanata. (There are many challenges in life, which we lift up to the Nazarene. The problems disappear when we finish our devotional duty.)

The devotees may have different reasons behind this yearly tradition. But one thing is for sure: they are strongly holding on to their Catholic faith. 

Jodesz Gavilan, Rappler, Manila. – Rappler.com