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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte to Black Nazarene devotees: 'Pray for our country'

Duterte to Black Nazarene devotees: 'Pray for our country'

Published Jan 9, 2022 12:30 pm

President Duterte enjoined Filipino Catholics to continue demonstrating their faith by praying for the country despite the cancelation of the annual procession of the Black Nazarene due to the recent spike in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.

The traslacion ritual and procession of the image of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo, Manila, is attended by many devotees and pilgrims (Photo by Ronnie Santiago-NCCA)

Duterte made the statement as Filipino Catholics honor the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Sunday, January 9.

In his message, the President acknowledged that the commemoration is a special time for every devotee.

"This venerated religious tradition, which commemorates the transfer of the image of Jesus Christ from its original place in Intramuros to its current shrine in Quiapo, is also a precious time for every devotee to understand the value of suffering and its saving grace," he said.

Duterte hoped that even though the millions of devotees of the Black Nazarene will not be able to participate in the annual Traslacion, they can continue displaying their faith by praying for the country.

"Although we may not be able to take part in the usual Traslacion activities that have marked the celebration for centuries, let us keep on demonstrating our faith by praying for our country's recovery and for humanity's complete healing, especially from the ill effects of the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

"Faith is the conviction of things that we hope for, even if unseen," he added.

As a predominantly Catholic nation, the President hoped that Filipinos will remain united in spirit and in truth as the country "builds a future that is blessed with peace, prosperity, love, and goodwill for all."

On January 4, Duterte has sought the understanding of the Roman Catholic faithful following the National Task Force’s decision to suspend this year’s Traslacion.

"I apologize in advance and I beg your full understanding of what we have discussed," he said.

The President acknowledged how important the Traslascion is to its Catholic devotees, but said that the government must prevent “super-spreader” events from taking place. He noted that millions of people are trooping to Manila just to participate in the procession.

"There are millions of devotees there. You cannot just be complacent about the transmission of the disease," he said.

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President Duterte Feast of the Black Nazarene black nazarene Traslacion Nazareno
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