Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (Our Father Jesus Nazarene)
Dinarangal ka namin (We honor you)
Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (Our Father Jesus Nazarene)
Niluluwalhati ka namin (We glorify you)
Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (Our Father Jesus Nazarene)
Dinarangal ka namin (We honor you)
Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (Our Father Jesus Nazarene)
Niluluwalhati ka namin (We glorify you)
The celebration of the feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo is one of the most celebrated Catholic feasts in the Philippines. This devotion dates back to the period of evangelization in 1606. The Augustinians brought this image of the Black Nazarene to the Philippines. It was said that its arrival to the Philippines from New Spain (as Mexico was called then) was miraculous. It was rescued from the fire that destroyed the ship where it was taken. Hence its burnt color of black. Every January 9, the image is processed around the streets in Quiapo, Manila. This year's procession took 12 hours to complete. Its devotees believe that by touching the image during its feast will bring healing to their illness, or receiveanswers to their prayers. Hence the frenzy and intense manifestation of folk religiousity. Indeed no one should judge or condemn this practice especially those who are not Catholics and those Catholics who do not understand the nature of this devotion. Some say that the frenzy and the intense emotionalism of the entire celebration is verging on superstition. It may appear outwardly that it is but I am inclined to accept the point of view that this expression of religious devoition is an indigenous form of genuine expression of love and devotion for Our Lord. Like the woman who touched the hem of Our Lord in order for her to be healed of the bleeding. Immediately after touching the helm of his clothing the woman received healing. Despite of the shoving of the crowd around Jesus, Our Lord recognize the miracle that happend to the woman. The simple, unabased and spontaneous devotion of the woman is similar to that of the Filipino devotees of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno. Why do many people receive healing, wishies granted, relationships restored, and many similar graces both actual and spiritual graces? It is because of their faith in the Lord. The Lord said that if we have faith as a mustard seed we could command the mountains to be moved into the sea. Fait is a gift from the Lord. No one can believe unless it is given to the person. But faith also undergo several stages. It is not a onece and for all gift. It has to be nortured, it passes through infancy and it has to move on. This remind me of a similar situation in the Bible when St. Paul wrote the Corinthians thus: "I fed you milk not solid food because you were unable to take it. Indeed you are still not able even now." (1 Corinthians 3:2 NAB). There is another interesting verse that also speaks of spiritual infancy, - "When I was a child, I used to talk as a child , think as a child, reason as a child: when I became a man, I put aside childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11, NAB). I would opine that these kind of folk expression of religion should not be discouraged but what should be discouraged are the actions that encourages superstition. Superstition is the attribution of supernatural powers to objects and created things. Such as beliefs that pictures or statues posseses supernatural powers. The healing powers comes from Christ who is the healer and not from objects. Objects may be used as instruments but they are not the ultimate source. These folk practices can be guided by constant Catechesis and patient teachings of the doctrine. It is not the intention of the gospel of Christ to eradicate culture but the intention of the Gospel is to purify culture so that it may conform to Christ who is our master and Lord. A mature faith is sober, serene and to some extent understand the reason behind the practice of the faith. This calls for vigilance and patience on the part of the Hierarchy, and we ought to support and help our hierarchy towards this end. To whom will I compare this situation? This is comparable to a child. When a child delights in the gifts of his father will always react by jumping, kissing, hugging and shouting. But as the child grows and mature to become a fully matured person, will express his love and appreciation in a serene manner. A simple "thank you" sometimes suffices and summarizes everything he means to say. Thus our devotional practices should evolve in the same way. Our maturtion in the faith will prove that the most tangible portion of our faith is the expression of love, not only for God but for our neighbors as well. We love God not because we receive benefits but because He is the fulfillment of all our desires. Did not Christ said: " Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you."
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