Extolling Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno

The Feast of the Black Nazarene - a popular, significant, and widely celebrated festival in the Philippines, is held every 9th of January. Every year, millions of devotees flock to Quiapo Church to revere the venerated image of Jesus Christ carrying the cross. We give a deeper view into this celebration.

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Written by Aneesa Quintos Puno
Layout by Zamanttha Sahidulla

Posted on January 9, 2022  |  11:40 AM

The Black Nazarene is also known as “Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno,” “Señor Nazareno,” and “Poong Itim na Nazareno”. This significant sculpture derived its name from “Nazarene,” a title identifying Jesus as a citizen of Nazareth in Galilee, forming an image of a dark-skinned, semi-kneeling Jesus Christ carrying the cross. What sets this feast apart from other religious festivals celebrated in the Philippines is that the procession attracts millions of passionate Filipino devotees every year in the Parish of Saint John the Baptist, also known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or simply, Quiapo Church, situated in Quiapo, Manila.

The history of the Black Nazarene

Its history dates back to the 17th century. The remarkable image was made by an anonymous Mexican sculptor, then was later brought to Manila from Acapulco, Mexico, on May 31, 1606, through the galleon trade. The Augustinian Recollect friars brought the statue to the Church of San Juan Bautista in Bagumbayan, now known as the Luneta Park. In 1608, it was transferred to the San Nicolas de Tolentino Church located in Intramuros.

By 1787, then-Manila Archbishop Basilio Sancho de Santas Justa y Rufina ordered the transfer of the image from San Nicolas de Tolentino Church to the Parish of Saint John the Baptist (Quiapo Church). This solemn transfer marked the first “Traslacion” and became the date of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Miraculously, the sculpture was not destroyed when a massive fire broke out in the church in 1791 and in an earthquake that heavily damaged Quiapo Church in 1863.

In 1880, Pope Pius VII gave the Black Nazarene its Apostolic Blessing that bestowed plenary indulgence to those who devoutly prayed before the image. Then, in the year 1987, Pope John Paul II recognized Quiapo Church as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene because it played a big part in strengthening the faith and devotion of the Filipinos to Jesus Christ.

How the Nazarene’s color came about

Some accounts believe that during the voyage, the ship that the Black Nazarene was loaded caught fire and charred the image, which thus explains its color. However, a theologian named Monsignor Sabino A. Jr. refuted that the sculpture was burned. According to him, mesquite wood, a dark brown wood that tends to darken as it ages, was used to carve out the statue. An explanation was also added to support his claim on why the Nazarene is black: there was a period in Europe when statues were typically colored black.

The “Traslacion”

Being one of the biggest processions in the country, attended by devotees usually clothed in maroon and yellow, the “Traslacion” marks the celebration of the Black Nazarene. Since the image was transferred from Intramuros to Quiapo, Traslacion became an annual tradition of the Quiapo Church. This procession begins at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, where the traditional “Pahalik” (kissing or wiping of the foot of the Black Nazarene) is performed. It ends once the image reaches Quiapo Church, whence other people wait to greet the image.

The Black Nazarene is placed on a carriage or a platform called “Andas.” Mamamasan [bearers] are the devotees who pull the ropes tied in the carriage. Traditionally, only men were allowed to be the bearers; but in recent years, women were finally allowed to participate as bearers.

Despite the heat, weariness, and 18-22 hour-long procession, most of the devotees choose to walk barefoot to show humility and penance and will wipe with any cloth they have, usually a handkerchief, the statue’s face, cross, hands, or any of its parts and kiss it. People in the vicinity of the procession attempt to touch the sculpture as it was believed and testified that having a touch of the image was ought to bring miracles, answer prayers, heal illnesses, grant petitions, and forgive sins.

Aside from the “Traslacion” happening in Manila, the feast of the Black Nazarene is also celebrated throughout the country. A procession takes place in Cagayan de Oro City and Northern Samar, where an official replica gifted by the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene is paraded through the streets.

Unfortunately, due to the dangers elicited by the COVID-19 virus, the “Traslacion” this year, as well as physical masses, are being suspended by the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19. Alongside the suspension, Quiapo Church is closed from January 7 to January 9. There, instead, would be online masses aired nationwide.

With millions of faithfuls gathering in this event to once again witness and experience a miracle, it is evident that Filipino Catholics believe in the power of their reverence and entrust their hope for a good life to the Lord. The Feast of the Black Nazarene truly attests to their devotion, undying love, and unwavering faith in God.