Ilocano devotees flock to Black Nazarene of Quiapo

The Black Nazarene in Laoag. Thousands of Ilocanos led by Laoag Bishop Renato P. Mayugba, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos and Laoag Mayor Chevylle Farinas join the procession of Black Nazarene around the city on March 28, 2015. (Doms dela Cruz)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

LAOAG City—Thousands of devotees of the Black Nazarene flocked to the Saint William Cathedral on March 25 to pray and express devotion to the ebony-hued image of Jesus Christ believed to have caused miracles in their lives.

Departing from the Minor Basilica of Quiapo on the evening of March 24, a ten-wheeler truck carrying the life-sized image of the Black Nazarene was escorted by members of the Philippine National Police at it arrived in Laoag City on early morning of March 25.

Following the ringing of church bells, devotees warmly welcomed the Black Nazarene at the Badoc welcome arc as they joined a motorcade all the way to Brgy. Nangalisan here in Laoag City. The crowd in waiting at Nangalisan also joined the procession all the way to the Saint William Cathedral.

In the opening mass presided by Rev. Father Rey Magus Respicio, chancellor of the Diocese of Laoag, he said during his homily, “Ilocanos are blessed for the Black Nazarene of Quiapo’s visit as we celebrate the year of the poor [2015]. What a grace, what a blessing for us Ilocanos that we are visited by the Black Nazarene.”

Citing the Black Nazarene is close to the heart of many Ilocanos, Fr. Respicio said, “This is because the poorest among the poor, the sick, the widows and children are close to Jesus.”

While several churchgoers offered flowers and gifts as they touched and kissed what they believed as a sacred object, some devotees also brought along with them a miniature of the image of the Black Nazarene as they expressed devotion inside the church.

For a faith healer like Leonora Castillo of Laoag City, she believes that the Holy Family touched her life when her illness was cured. According to Ms. Castillo, she saw an alleged apparition of the “Holy Family” which she now claims as the one who gave her a “healing hand.”

Another motorcade with the Black Nazarene headed to the St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Bacarra town on the afternoon of March 25 where a procession around the town of Bacarra, known as the Vatican of Ilocos Norte was also held. Holy mass, prayer sessions, vigil by the different groups of the Parish Penitential Service and Confessions were also conducted during the five-day visit of the image of the Black Nazarene in Ilocos Norte to be attended by Diocesan youth ministries, religious institutes, seminarians, Diocesan commissions and other church and government employees.  

Another procession on March 27

As Ilocos Norte prepares for the Lenten season, thousands of Ilocano devotees joined the procession of the revered Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno of Quiapo or the Black Nazarene on March 27 around the city of Laoag.

Considered by many Filipinos as miraculous, with the ability to heal diseases and bring success, the procession of a life-sized image of Jesus Christ carrying the cross is in line with the different activities scheduled as the image of the Nazarene visits Ilocos Norte from March 25 to 29,” the Diocese of Laoag revealed.

Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos earlier remarked that “Despite the difficulties that surround us, we still find time to be resilient…to remain Christian and prayerful.”

“Nagsimba lang ako para manalangin tapos hindi ko inaasahan na makikita ko yung Black Nazarene. Ang swerte ko lang, hindi ko na kailangang gumastos ng pamasahe papuntang Manila para makita siya,” said Lorna Narciso, a vendor at the Laoag City market.

Meanwhile, organizers from the provincial government are expecting an influx of devotees and tourists who are in the province for the Lenten season to pay homage to the Black Nazarene during Friday’s procession.

The procession started with a mass at the Cathedral Church of St. William the Hermit. From there, the carriage bearing the statue of the Black Nazarene made its way to J.P. Rizal St. passing Gen. Segundo Ave. [Bacarra road], crossed at P. Gomez St. to Ablan Avenue and to Tupaz St. after which it headed back to the Cathedral Church of St. William the Hermit.”

The visit of the Nazarene in the province capped off on Palm Sunday, which marked the start of the Holy Week observed by Catholics, through a Sunday Liturgy at 5:30 a.m. at the Provincial Capitol. It was followed by a Holy Mass at the Cathedral Church wherein devotees and Sunday churchgoers will experience the ‘Pahalik sa Poon Nazareno.’

“[Dahil] sa mataimtim nating paniniwala sa Panginoon dito [sa Ilocos Norte], makakaraos tayo sa anumang hamon sa ating buhay,” said Ms. Marcos. (With a report from John Michael Mugas, PGIN-CMO)