Friday, January 6, 2017

#Traslacion2017: The Feast of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo


Wazzup Pilipinas!

#WalangPasok for all levels in the city of Manila on Monday, January 9, for the #Nazareno2017 . Devotees of the image of the #BlackNazarene will once again flock outside the Quiapo church. There will be tightened security, not only in Manila but nationwide, as the country will be under heightened alert as per Philippine National Police (PNP) because DILG Secretary Mike Sueno warns of a possible terror attack during the Feast of the Black Nazarene. It may not necessarily be at the actual event, and could target other areas since many would believe the police presence will be concentrated only in Manila.

A life-size image of Jesus Christ carrying a black wooden cross in a semi-kneeling position. This is how one describes the image of Nuestro Padre Hesus Nazareno in Quiapo. Crowned with thorns and a diadem of three silver rays, the head of Nazareno portrays the suffering face of Christ. It is said in the Passion narratives that Christ falls into his knee in the struggle to bear the heavy wooden cross.

The image of the Black Nazarene was brought to the Philippines by an unknown Recollect priest from Mexico during the Galleon trade. From the Church of Recollect Fathers in Intramuros, it was transferred to Quiapo Church according to the wish of the Archbishop Manila at that time.

Since then, the image of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno has been enshrined in the center altar of the Church where it is visible to thousands of devotees.


The Traslacion or the feast of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno commemorates the transfer of the image of the Black Nazarene from Reccollect Church in Intramuros to its present shrine, Quiapo Church. The transfer was done over 400 years ago. Famous for its spectacular view of millions of people gathering in one religious event, the Traslacion of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno is considered one of the biggest Filipino fiestas known in the whole world.

The annual procession on the Feast of the Black Nazarene is observed every 9th of January. Kabi-kabila na ang pagsasaayos sa mga kalsada bilang paghahanda sa Pista ng Itim na Nazareno sa Lunes. Inilalatag na rin ang mga planong panseguridad para sa pista sa Lunes. This year, it is expected to draw as many as 18 million devotees.

We are daring staunch followers of the Black Nazarene to show their devotion in a manner that will also reflect their concern for the well-being of Mother Earth. Make next Monday's #Traslacion2017 a trash-less event...Pero hindi rin puro pakitang-tao lang during that day. The good habit must be done everyday.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada announced the suspension of classes in all levels and work in city hall on January 9, 2017 in observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene. Only city hall employees involved in peace and order, traffic enforcement, disaster and risk reduction management, health and sanitation, issuance of business permits, and collection of taxes will report for work on Monday. Work in private companies will be at the discretion of the management.

The Pasig River Ferry system management will extend its operating hours on January 9 to provide Black Nazarene devotees an alternative mode of transportation for their Patron's feast. The river ferry system will start its first trip at 5:30AM and the last trip for the day would be at 7PM. Two ferry boats will also be on standby near the Jones Bridge to respond to emergencies, according to MMDA.

Mobile phone signal jamming will be part of the security measures for the annual religious feast to avoid remote bomb detonation using smartphones. The crowd should also prevent panicking or running in case of a bomb threat. Kung sakaling may napapasin kayong kaiiba sa mga kinikilos ng mga ibang deboto o ibang tao Pag bigay alam agad sa mga pulis na nakapalibot sa lugar.

However, should we be trusting our police? They might be the same ones who will cause the chaos. Bantay-salakay ba to justify special powers to the President and declare Martial Law.


*Cover Photo by Sarahjane Refil Nativida

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