[In the news] ‘Real devotion should be reflective of true faith’ – InterAksyon.com

‘Real devotion should be reflective of true faith’ by Fr. Christian B. Buenafe, O. Carm, Commissary General, InterAksyon.com January 14, 2012 Some friends asked about my reflections on the Quiapo fiesta celebration where the traslacion (passage or procession) finally ended after 22 hours of procession, the longest traslacion in history as they say. The feast…

Human Rights Online Philippines

January 15, 2012

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‘Real devotion should be reflective of true faith’
by Fr. Christian B. Buenafe, O. Carm, Commissary General, InterAksyon.com
January 14, 2012

Some friends asked about my reflections on the Quiapo fiesta celebration where the traslacion (passage or procession) finally ended after 22 hours of procession, the longest traslacion in history as they say.

The feast of the Black Nazarene is commemorated every January 9 of the year. For Catholics, the highlight of the fiesta is the Eucharistic celebration being the apex of Christian liturgy. The traslacion is just a part of the entire fiesta event. However, through the years, people became more enthusiastic about the traslacion and considered it the central activity of the fiesta. Traslacion is the procession where the Poon Nazareno (image of Jesus, the Black Nazarene) is brought back to Quiapo Church after having stayed overnight at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta. The traslacion starts immediately after the fiesta Mass is celebrated in the early morning of January 9.

This is not phenomenal or something that happens rarely because this is one of the most popular devotions of Filipino Catholics. It is not just a traditional practice by people but also a devotional expression and practice of their beliefs. The celebration doesn’t only take place in Quiapo but also in other churches in the different parts of the country where there are devotees of the Black Nazarene.

However, we have read and heard a lot of commentaries and varying opinions on the conduct of the Poon devotees in the traslacion.

The devotion to the Poon Nazareno is so powerful and can be seen in the ocean of people from all walks of life—young and old, men and women from all over the country moving like synchronized waves on the streets and corners of Manila. People will do anything just to go near the Poon. People wave their handkerchiefs or towels in white or maroon and throw that piece of cloth towards the Poon; the men surrounding and guarding the Poon (who are called hijos de Nazareno) wipe the cloth on the Poon and throw it back to its owner. At the same time, during the procession, some people hold on to ropes as they join the crowd’s movements, saying their prayers and singing songs of mercy to the Poon.

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