INSPIRED WITH THE theme, “Mas Mabuti ang Pagsunod Kaysa Paghahandog sa mga Umaasa kay Jesus,” Rev. Fr. John Paul Plana, OSB, and Rev. Fr. Pedro Ma. Diaz Cruz, OSB, celebrated the daily Fiesta masses in honor of the Black Nazarene at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene last January 8, prior to the annual Traslacion procession.
The Traslacion is an annual event that demonstrates the faith of the millions of devotees in the transfer of the centuries-old original image of the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno, otherwise known as the Black Nazarene, from Quirino Grandstand back to Quiapo Church.
As reported by GMA Integrated News, the religious procession followed a traditional route stretching 5.8 kilometers long, prepared and hosted for its symbolism of the “concrete action of unwavering faith that draws millions of believers. “
Two Benedictine Monks from the Subiaco-Cassinese Congregation, namely Rev. Fr. John Paul Plana and Rev. Fr. Pedro Ma. Diaz Cruz, were one with the community in leading the eucharistic preparations before the procession, delivering homilies to the attending devotees.
“Ikaw at ako’y may iba’t ibang pangalan, ngunit lahat po tayo’y anak ng Diyos—nagkakaroon tayo ng common name: we are Christians,” Rev. Fr. Plana expressed.
Rev. Fr. Plana then furthered the significance of how the devotees should emulate and embrace the image of Christ as Christians, saying, “Kung tunay tayong mga anak ng Diyos, tunay na deboto, tunay na tagasunod ng poong Hesus Nazareno, ang daan, ang katotohanan, at ang buhay, magkatambal ang pangalan ni Hesus at ang kanyang krus.”
His homily concluded with a call to action to determine the value therein of one’s identity and to live up to that identity. “Pahalagahan natin ang ating pangalan. Tayo’y mga anak ng Diyos. Tayo’y mga tagasunod ng poong Hesus Nazareno. Buhatin natin ang ating mga krus dahil ito’y magdadala sa atin sa buhay na walang hanggan,” he reminded the devotees.
Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Cruz also stressed the importance of every Christian’s recognition of making sacrifices for others as part of the Christian identity. “Ang isang deboto ng poong Hesus Nazareno ay isang lingkod… Kung ikaw ay tunay na deboto, you are willing to sacrifice. You are willing to be of service to others,” Rev. Fr. Cruz stated.
He also reminded, “Huwag nating kalimutan bilang mga tagasunod ni Jesus na dapat tayo’y maging mapagmahal, dapat tayo’y marunong maglingkod, at mapuno ng pag-asa,” and concluded that “Ang pagiging deboto ng mahal na poong Jesus Nazareno dapat nakikita sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay.”
This year’s Traslacion demonstrated the devotees’ expressions of faith. Both of the homilies concluded with an emphasis on aligning their hearts with this feast’s annual theme and message of a call to action, prompting its people to embrace and carry their cross or shoulder sacrifices not out of individual interest.
(with Samantha Calderon)