Marcos on Black Nazarene feast: Discover inner strength, new hope and purpose
President Marcos urged Filipinos to discover their inner strength and a new sense of hope and purpose through the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Tuesday, Jan. 9.

In a message on Monday, Marcos said the "festivities show us the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ who willingly offered Himself to make us whole once more” as he joins the Catholic faithful in the widely-celebrated religious event in the country every year.
The President said that the Feast of the Black Nazarene is a magnificent celebration of the Almighty’s enduring mercy and boundless love bestowed upon everyone.
He also urged the faithful to be reminded of the virtue of embracing one’s suffering for it is during those moments of hardship that one is allowed to undergo renewal and spiritual transformation.
“By working through our struggles and difficulties, we discover our inner strength and resolve, emerging from the pits of darkness and despair with a renewed sense of hope and purpose,” Marcos said.
The Chief Executive also encouraged the faithful to deepen their connection with God and become instruments of peace, unity, and compassion for the Filipinos and the country.
“With our faith guiding our every word and deed, I am certain that we will build a brighter future for our nation and create a world where love, kindness, and harmony reign supreme,” he said.
Marcos concluded his message by wishing everyone “a solemn and meaningful commemoration.”
Marcos has declared Jan. 9 as a special non-working day in the city of Manila for the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.