I am quite shocked. Well ok, not really, but maybe I'm overwhelmed by the number of people wanting to see the Lord inside the church. Like, wow. Jesus of Nazareth is The Man. Alleluia! š¤©
People waiting in lines outside the church. Don't ask me why there's an eyesore being built behind it. š Majority of people here don't have a sense of tourist destination aesthetic.
So, what's going on?
Every January 9 is the Feast day of the Black Nazarene and apparently it is truly a very popular devotion among Filipinos. The Traslacion is a yearly procession which commemorates the 1868 transfer of the wooden image of the Black Nazarene from Luneta to Quiapo, Manila. We got it from Mexico in 1606.
Why is this feast so famous? Because many answered prayers have been granted. It is also a form of penance and supplication for devotees. Like, can you walk barefoot for almost 4.3 miles on dirty roads and streets just to get to church? That means hours and hours of being in a sea of people. That's quite a biggie in terms of physical/emotional/mental suffering.
It's not just a continuous 8 hours folks, no no no. Haha it takes more than that, like more than half a day on a good day. š Despite that, joining the Traslacion is a welcome suffering that everyone endures for thanksgiving, worship or to be granted a miracle and/or graces from Heaven.
For those of us who cannot do such due to health reasons or whatever, there is a 9 day novena to the Black Nazarene prior to the said date. And on those days people already flock to the church in droves.
But wait, on the night of December 30, 2023 apparently more than 15,000 people gathered and took part in the "walk of thanksgiving". Dang, that's not even the main event. Haha. Maybe a bigger church should be built already so it can hold the multitude of people.
Anyway, this year's theme is "Ibig po naming makita si Hesus." ("We wish to see Jesus." John 12:21) I say, this is very apt indeed.
People in line, waiting for the ongoing mass to finish. This photo was taken during the blessing part at the end of the mass.
Going to Quiapo Church during "Traslacion season"
I went to this place of worship in Manila City on a Friday. That day is also the devotion day of the Quiapo churchgoers. For the first time during this fiesta period I went to see what's up because I've never tried it before.
Getting to the minor basilica is already a struggle even if you're not even anywhere near it. š Just like the road to heaven is never easy, you will have to "suffer" before you enter The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of the Black Nazarene (Jesus Nazareno).
As I witnessed on January 5th, sooo many people were going to Quiapo church just like me. The annoying thing was, of course many people also take advantage of the continuous flow of people.
The usual sidewalk vendors, hawking their wares, are blocking the roads. Literally they occupy the sidewalks and the middle of the streets. But at least it is not as worse than going to Baclaran church.
Yes I was expecting a lot of people but whoa... I was like, heck!!! Minor/interior roads were blocked or closed off by the police. So if you're coming from Recto LRT-2 station you better bring a whole lot of endurance, patience and/or snacks. š Seriously!
I just walked to the church because it's not that far from the station, or so I thought. Haha. With all the minor roads closed it's better if you use the road going to Taft Avenue instead, if coming from the North. That's if you're a public commuter.
Anyway, with my own eyes I personally witnessed how this devotion is really such a big thing. People flock to the Lord Jesus Christ in droves. We all wanna see Jesus and praise, ask and/or thank Him. Oh wow. The Lamb of God is the real superstar of the world! š¤©
Hundreds of people flocked on the First Friday of the year. A large crowd formed outside, at the side and around, Quiapo church. | šø Fernando Galvan via Hijos del Nazareno
Move over BTS, Taylor Swift, Beatles, Elvis or whoever. Jesus is the one and only King of the Universe. He is the only Son of God, our Savior who endured way too much for our sins even though He is innocent and pure. (Perfect or best visuals is in the movie The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson.)
The altar and pews full of people at The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of the Black Nazarene (or Jesus Nazareno)
Is it worth going to and experiencing?
Yes it is. Attending a novena mass is quite an achievement for me already. š
Once you get to the square in front of the church, everybody will be in line. There are male ushers/guides who announce stuff on megaphones too. Everything is quite organized if you're already just outside and inside the minor basilica itself.
When you pass through the big doors oh you will feel it is worth it. Seeing the interior is already calming and/or exciting. Eventually looking upon the Black Nazarene, the life-size representation of Jesus carrying His cross, is the goal. š
Christmas decor high up near the ceiling, before the altar.
After the mass, another one will start. Snapshot taken before the next mass started.
The Belen or Nativity Scene inside the church.
Being inside is also quite comfortable and the place is spacious. There are overhead fans, the big doors and many windows are open, the Christmas decor are still all around. What's not to like?
The mass is solemn too of course and lively with all the songs to sing and words to say. And when you're doing it together with a big crowd, it's a powerful feeling.
What more when true devotees who go through and finish the procession finally enter the church? They must feel so relieved and heavenly upon finally reaching their destination. Accomplishing a steep goal or surviving any grueling experience always makes us feel good/grateful at the end.
The Black Nazarene behind the altar, so close yet so far and high...
The point is, you get to see Jesus as if He was alive. We get to see a physical representation of our Savior. ā¤ļø It's the best feeling in the world, being close enough to someone who loves us so much despite being such sinners.
Just like how people adore celebrity icons, the Black Nazarene devotees and visitors gain much more than seeing their "human idols". Seeing a life-size representation of a suffering Jesus, feeling closer to Him physically and in spirit during mass is worth more than any riches in the world. It reminds us to follow Jesus' teachings and live the way He taught so we can finally be united with Him in Heaven.
Have you ever experienced something similar or have you already joined Traslacion before? Feel free to share in the comments.
XOXO,
All photos taken using my smartphone Samsung Galaxy A03, except if otherwise noted.
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Ā© Art x Stephanie Rue / Lucy Stephanie
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