Starting the year right with the Black Nazarene

                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.

photo cto

                 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