Black Nazarene

DEVOTION to the Black Nazarene dates back four centuries. Some connect this devotion to the mistake the Bishop of Manila made in the 17th century. In his desire to have native clergy he ordained almost everybody who wanted to become a priest. Some turned out well but the majority, for lack of training, were a disaster. For that the contrarians argued that the natives were not fit to become priests. So the priests to almost the end of the Spanish rule were PenInsulares or those who came directly from Spain and the Insulares or those with Spanish blood but born in the Philippines. According to some, the young men instead of becoming priests were diverted to the devotion of the Black Nazarene. This devotion from four centuries ago has grown over the years. This year Manila declared a special holiday. The police in charge of safety do not understand why not more accidents happen as the crowds try to pull on the rope or throw white handkerchiefs or towel to be wiped on the cross as the image passes in procession. All the devotees are barefoot and some try to climb up the carosa to wipe their towels themselves. It is often the fulfillment of a vow or in thanksgiving for a petition granted. There are many minor miracles but more important is the peace that it brings.

During the Japanese War and occupation of Manila, as a high school student, I enrolled in La Salle as many of my Ateneo classmates did. From our house in Sta. Mesa, we walked to the tranvia station in Legarda, Sampaloc, and rode it to the end of the line in San Marcelino close to Vito Cruz. It is a long ride but the cheapest and fastest at the time. The tranvia passed by Quiapo church, some sophisticated La Salle boys would drop off on Fridays at Quiapo church. At first it was because of curiosity but soon we too dropped off on Fridays to say a prayer and walk on our knees up the center aisle. The devotion to the Black Nazarene brought in well-dressed devotees as well as poorly clad petitioners.

Some criticize the almost fanatical devotion to the image of the Black Nazarene as it borders on thinking that the image does the miracles rather than the Person it represents. This danger is present so that the Jews were prohibited from any form of image. Some in later times even prohibited the salute to the flag. But kissing the Image or the cross, or wiping a white towel is not less an act of love for the Savior than writing a theological thesis, or reading the Bible, or praying in silence. They are different but all expressions of love, faith, and gratitude to the Lord. Personally as for many, this devotion has brought peace of mind and heart. It is a simple act of faith that some sophisticated look down on it. But in the end it is an act of love that hopefully carries on throughout the year. The distinction must be made that it is not the wood of the cross or the image that has the power but the Person which the image represents. There is only one thing that God wants of us and that is to love Him above all things and to love our neighbor as ourselves. And the devotion to the Black Nazarene is a form of this love. Through the years this devotion has strengthened the faith of the Filipino but especially the illiterate Filipino. The Lord will reward this faith and love. Devotion to the black image of the suffering Christ has preserved the faith in the Philippines. Long live his devotion to Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno.