It's not difficult to remember the birth anniversary of Julian Meneses, Administrative Assistant 2 of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), since this falls on Jan.  9, which is when the Feast of the Black Nazarene is observed. 

Every year on his birthday, the “Traslacion” – regarded as the "solemn transfer" of the Black Nazarene's copy from Intramuros to Quiapo in Manila – draws in hundreds and thousands of devotees. And Meneses is one of them. 

Meneses told the Manila Bulletin that the Black Nazarene holds a special place in his heart, not just because of their shared birth anniversary  but because the Black Nazarene once gave him a miracle. 

When he was younger, Meneses recalled having an uncontrollable twitch in his eyes. It even came to a point that Meneses could no longer open his eyes, and his mother grew worried. 

"Noong maliit pa ako (When I was younger), I remember pumipikit ang mata ko at mga weeks siyang ayaw dumilat (and weeks would pass and I could not open them)," he shared. 

His mother then decided to take him to Quiapo Church and prayed for a miracle. "One time, sinama ako ng mother ko sa pagsimba sa Quiapo Church at narinig ko sa prayers niya na sana matulungan ako sa eye problem ko (My mother took me to mass in Quiapo Church and I heard her prayers to heal my eye problem)," he continued.

Meneses said that after attending mass, he and his mother were surprised to see his eye problem suddenly gone. "What happened next is what you are seeing right now," he said, referring to his normal vision. 

Because of the miracle he was blessed with, Meneses would make it a point to visit Quiapo Church and gaze at the Black Nazarene during his birth anniversary to thank Him. 

However, because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the new strain that has developed, Meneses said that his plans this year would have to change. 

He said that all he wishes for now on his birth anniversary is that everybody stay "safe and healthy amid the COVID-19 pandemic," even if it means missing out on the 2021 Traslacion.

It's a miracle we're still alive

Retired policeman Edgar Ramos has made it a tradition with his family to attend the Traslacion year in and year out. Because of the health concerns from the pandemic,  Ramos decided this year to skip the trip to Quiapo and do something a bit different.

"Every year after going to Quiapo, our family prepares a meal for our fellow devotees to celebrate the traslacion," he shared. 

"For this year, because of health protocols, instead of going to Quiapo, we opted to just hold a procession around our neighborhood to parade our replica of the Black Nazarene and share a meal again with our fellow devotees because we believe that we can still show our devotion to the Black Nazarene through simple acts without compromising our health."

As a devotee, Ramos has experienced countless miracles in life, and he is thankful for every one of them. When asked to name just one particular thing to credit the Black Nazarene for, Ramos explained that God's goodness has been consistent all throughout his life.

"Having surpassed all life's challenges and going through tough breakdowns is already a miracle for me. Just when I thought I couldn't make it because I lack the strength to move forward, something pulls me up and all my burdens fade away. I believe it is the Black Nazarene because everything I've prayed for, He gave me something better and it was always for the good," he said.

Now more than ever, given the number of deaths and infection rates all over the world, Ramos said that the Black Nazarene's blessings have been felt more deeply by him and his family especially since they have remained safe from the virus and they still manage to make ends meet.

"I already consider it as a miracle that despite the global pandemic, my family is still safe and healthy and we still have something to fill our stomachs," he said. "I believe we are divinely guided and protected by the Black Nazarene and I am more than happy to serve Him as a devotee." 

Comfort amidst death

Another devotee, Christopher Nathaniel Palabay, made sure to still join the 2021 Traslacion despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Being able to do so, according to him, is a huge blessing.

Palabay always offers his services to the church during the Feast of the Black Nazarene, and this year is no exception. However, he noticed how the need to exercise caution and physical distancing changed the atmosphere of the church.

"This year's celebration is totally different compared to the recent years that I have witnessed. Spending the whole day in church playing the organ and singing for eight Masses as an offering to Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno is for me an opportunity and blessing," he reflected.

"Celebrating the Eucharist is the ultimate goal of every devotion that we encounter and practice."

Like Ramos, Palabay has experienced countless blessings because of his devotion to the Black Nazarene. But he counted on the Black Nazarene the most after he lost his mother last year. 

"The greatest miracle that I received is that I was able to face the many pains, trials, and difficulties of life after the demise of my mom last October of 2020," he shared.

"Praying and visiting Him even not so often made me feel the assurance that He shares and embraces me and all that I feel in every day of my life."

"Seeing Him carry the cross is for me a testimony of unfailing love and enduring sacrifice of Him who embraces and heals my brokeness in life. That is the greatest miracle that I have received from the Poong Nazareno," he added.