THE FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE 2011

One of the most widely attended feast in the Philippines is the feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila which is annually held every January 9. Millions of devotees from all walks of life come to the Saint John the Baptist Church which is also known as the Basilica Minor of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila to take part in the procession which is called as the TRANSLACION to fulfill their vow to the patron and for their personal wishes to be granted.

There are three occasions every year wherein the life size image of the Black Nazarene was brought out for procession. New Year's day, his feastday which is January 9, and every Good Friday.

HISTORY
The image was brought to Manila, Philippines by an Augustinian Recollect priest In May, 1606 onboard in a galleon from Acapulco, Mexico. It was made by an unknown Mexican carpenter. On its way to the Philippines,  the ship unfortunately caught fire that burnt the image of the Nazarene. The charring of the image made it black thus the name Black Nazarene came from.  The people preserve and give honor to the "Black Nazarene".
The image of the Black Nazarene was initially placed in Bagumbayan, which is known today as the Rizal Park. The image was then transferred to San Nicolas de Tolentino in Intramuros in 1608. It was then the Archbishop of Manila who ordered the transfer of the image of Black Nazerene to the St. John the Baptist church in Quiapo in 1787. The Black Nazarene was once damaged during a procession when
it was accidentally being hit by a stray bullet in its left cheek in 1990's.

There are reports that a lot of devotees who touches the image of the Black Nazarene received miracles.
During the time of the Spaniards, Filipino male devotees were called Cofradia de Santo Cristo Jesus Nazareno. Cofradia started with a group of male devotees who came from well off and financially stabled families. Today, regardless of status in life, male devotees were called as the Hijos del Nazareno Jesus and female devotees were known as the Ladies of the Black Nazarene. 

Devotees who joined the procession walk barefooted as a sign of humility and wears maroon shirt which is the color of the dress of the Black Nazarene. They carry with them a white face towel which they used to wave when they see the Black Nazarene while yelling " VIVA SENOR". 

This year, it will be the 404th feast of the Black Nazarene. It is expected that there will be more devotees who will join the annual procession as January 9 this year falls on a Sunday which is a day for worship. Every year, devotees gradually increase in number because many Filipinos believe that through devotion to the Black Nazarene they will have long life, good health, deliverance from disasters and calamities, peace of mind, joy, and prosperity.

PRAYER TO JESUS OF NAZARENE

O most sweet Jesus Nazarene, My God and Redeemer. who hast trodden the road to Calvary with the weight of the cross on Thy shoulder: look down on me a sinner who is now giving praise to Thy suffering. I also thank Thee for saving through thy meed acceptance of suffering on the cross. 

Forgive me my sins, O good Jesus. I acknowledge my weaknesses and I trust that out of  Thy boundless mercy. Thou wilt wash with Thy blood my innumerable sins. I love thee above all things and I promise to be faithful to thy commandments unto the hour of my death. 

Be with me Lord and guide my steps so that I may reach the end of this earthly journey to the kingdom of heaven, Amen.

HYMN TO THE BLACK NAZARENE

(AWIT SA MAHAL NA POONG NUESTRO PADRE JESUS NAZARENO)

"Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno

Sinasamba ka namin. Pinipintuho ka namin.

Aral mo ang aming buhay at kaligtasan.

Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno

KIligtas mo kami sa kasalanan

Ang Krus mong kinamatayan

Ay sagisag ng aming kaligtasan

Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno

Dinarangal ka namin

Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno

Niluluwalhati ka namin."