.......".FEAST OF BLACK NAZARENE"...........

 "Viva Señor Nazareno!"

     Feast of Black Nazarene, celebrated every January 9, not only in Metro Manila but all over the country. Every year, thousands of devotees take part in the procession as a way of strengthening their faith or fulfilling their "panata" or vow to the Lord.  The image of the Black Nazarene reminds all of us of the suffering.  Jesus underwent out of his  love for all of us.
     The Black Nazarene is carried into the streets for procession in a "carroza" or carriage.  The estimated millions of devotees wear the color maroon and gold, assorted with the image and go barefooted in imitation of Jesus on his way to mount Calvary.         Traditionally, men are the only ones permitted to hold the ropes pulling the image's carriage, but in recent years female devotees have also participated in the procession.  People who have touched the Black Nazarene were believed to have been cured of their diseases, and Catholics come to touch the image to the hopes of a miracle.
Towels and handkerchiefs are hurled to the marshals  guarding the Black Nazarene with request to wipe these in the statue in hopes 
of the miraculous powers attributed to it.
      Black Nazarene image, the overall 
importance of Filipino culture has for the
passion of Jesus.  Many devotees of the
Black Nazarene identify their poverty and 
daily struggles to take wounds and sufferings
experienced by Jesus, as represented 
by image.
     The devotees to the Black Nazarene is a
long time practice of Filipino Catholics,
who believe that their faith in Jesus Christ
would bring peace, joy, prosperity, good
health, long life and love for all.
     The best honor that we can give Jesus
is our faithfulness to His word and the 
following of His example  of charity, humility,
and selfishness love for our fellowmen, may
the Jesus Nazarene teach us to love others
as He has loved us.....