The
moment 2014 came in, I knew, I already wanted to start the year right. I didn’t
know how am I supposed to do it, I don’t even have any plan on what I am going
to start with.
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photo cto
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Last
January 1st, according to the news report, there had been several people who
started their novena to the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila since its feast
day will be on January 9. Yearly, I remember reports, images, photos and
stories of how miraculous the Black Nazarene is and how devotees show their
great devotion to the Nazareno. And so I made up my mind that this year, I want to be
part of the said feast.
Just
like in previous years, the Nazareno was brought to the Quirino Grandstand in
Luneta and will be returned on the 9th day of January in Quiapo church.
Traditionally, people would follow the procession from the Grandstand back to
the church. Then the devotees, along the way, would try to touch the image,
throw a hanky or a towel and have it wiped through it, or at least hold the
rope attached to it. Seeing that huge number of people on the road with the
Nazareno, I knew, I can not just jump into that sea composed of people dying to
feel or have a glimpse of it. So I decided to go directly to the church and just
attend a mass.
And so
I went to Quiapo church. As expected, it wouldn't be so easy for me to be able
to get inside the church quickly. It was a struggle. It took me almost an hour
just to get inside. When I got in, the mass was just about to start. During the
mass, I was asking myself if it was already okay that I wasn't able to touch
the image of the Black Nazarene. I was wondering. Then the priest during the
homily told us that, the essence of the feast is by listening to the message of
the Lord; that attending the mass is much more important than touching the
image. I felt glad that I did. And I guess, I started the year just right. :)
After
the mass, it took me another almost an hour to get outside of the church. J
