Nazareno 2024: Devotees share testimonies of 'miracles' ahead of Traslacion

For the past three years, the traditional procession during the transfer of the Black Nazarene image from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church, popularly known as Traslacion, was restricted by the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic that hit the country in 2020. For this year, Quiapo Church announced that the activity will return.

Millions of devotees are expected to gather around and march with the Black Nazarene image, which they believe to possess miraculous powers. During Traslacion, every devotee desires to climb over its carriage or andas, touch the image, and rub their handkerchiefs on the 400-year-old image.

The Black Nazarene image in Quiapo Church is a life-sized statue of Jesus Christ in a semi-kneeling position and bearing a cross.

In 1606, the image arrived in Manila from Mexico, according to GMA News Research. The Augustinian Recollect Friars displayed the image in the Church of St. John the Baptist in Bagumbayan, currently known as Luneta or Rizal Park. In 1608, the statue was transferred to the Recollect church of San Nicolas de Tolentino in Intramuros. In 1700s, Manila Archbishop Basilio Sancho de Santas Justa ordered the transfer—traslacion in Spanish—of the image to Quiapo Church.

Part of its wonders, the Black Nazarene image survived fires that destroyed the Quiapo Church in 1791 and 1929, great earthquakes in 1645 and 1863, as well as the World War II bombing of Manila in 1945.

According to popular belief, the statue allegedly got its dark brown color when it was damaged during a fire onboard the ship carrying it from Mexico to Manila. However, Loyola School of Theology lecturer Msgr. Sabino Vengco Jr. said in an interview with GMA News Online in 2015 that the wood used to make the image, mesquite, was already dark-colored.

The duration of Traslacion started to take around 12 hours and longer in 2009. The procession took over 22 hours in 2012, 2017, and 2018. The Traslacion in 2020 recorded an estimated crowd of 3.125 million devotees—2.575 million en route and 550,000 at Quiapo Church.

Based on the data of GMA News Research from 2004 to 2020, there were 11 deaths reported during the celebration of the feast of the Black Nazarene.

Colorful testimonies

Despite such risks, many devotees still continue to express their devotion to Black Nazarene through participating in the procession. In Rizal, a balangay of Black Nazarene devotees are getting ready for the upcoming Traslacion on January 9. Days before Traslacion, some of its members gathered at Saint John The Baptist Parish - Taytay and shared to GMA News Online their testimonies and memorable experiences with the Black Nazarene and Traslacion.

St. John the Baptist Parish - Taytay. Photo: Joviland Rita

Vener Rimas, 56 years old, had once asked the Black Nazarene for the healing of his grandfather who raised him since he was a kid. His grandfather was already on his deathbed when a "miracle" happened.

"Noong ako humiling sa kaniya tungkol sa lolo ko, pinagbigyan ako noong araw na iyon. Ako ay company driver. Nadestino ako sa malayo. Nabalitaan ko, tinawagan ako. Ang lolo ko raw baka di ko na abutin. Habang ako ay tumakbo pauwi, sabi ko, 'Bigyan mo pa ng tatlong araw para magkausap kami,'" he said.

"Nagulat ako. Pagdating ko. Hindi lang tatlong araw, tatlong taon ang binigay sa akin. Kasi ang lolo ko, siya ang nagpalaki sa akin noong maliit ako. Kaya noong kinuha na siya ng Panginoon, pasalamat na rin ako," he added.

(When I made a wish about my grandfather, it was granted to me that day. I was a company driver. I was designated far from home. Somebody called and told me that my grandfather is already dying. As I ran home, I said, 'Give him three more days so we can have time to talk.)

(I was surprised. I arrived. I was given not just three days, but three years. It was my grandfather, he raised me when I was little. So when the Lord already took him, I am still grateful.)

Rimas said he has been a devotee of the Black Nazarene since 1981. According to him, he was always participating in all activities in connection with the Black Nazarene and had to take a leave from work. He said most of his bosses were understanding of his beliefs.

"Kapag may ganapin ang Itim na Nazareno, kasama ako. Uma-attend ako. Miski may pasok, may trabaho ako noong araw, nag-li-leave ako, nagpapaalam ako, malayo pa lang, nagpapaalam na ako sa boss ko na may gampanin ako. Ayun, puro ganun, at least nakakaintindi naman iyong mga naging boss ko, nauunawan nila ako, pinapayagan nila ako," he said.

(When there were Black Nazarene activities, I attended them. Even on days when I had work, I took a leave. I informed my boss ahead of time that I have something to do. My bosses were understanding of my beliefs so they always allowed me.)

Photo: Social Communications Ministry of St. John the Baptist Parish - Taytay

Despite his compromised health, Rimas said he would still attend Traslacion so he could at least view the Black Nazarene image. He said the first time he had contact with the image was in the 90s. For him, the Black Nazarene will decide if a person will be able to get close to the image amid millions of people.

"Kung ipagkakaloob sayo na makasalang ka, makapagbuhat ka. Naranasan ko kasi iyong gusto kong sumalang, hindi ako makasalang, eh 'di ibig sabihin ayaw. Tapos naranasan ko naman. Akalain mo, sa dami ng tao sa Quiapo. Akalain mo parang hinawi ang tao sa gitna, pinapasok ako. First time iyon mga 90s iyon. Kaya hindi ko makakalimutan iyon," he said.

(If the Black Nazarene grants that you will carry him, you will be able to. Based on my experience, I tried to carry the carriage, but I failed, which means the Black Nazarene did not want it. Sometimes, I was able to do that even with so many people in Quiapo. It was like the crowd was split in the middle so I could enter. That was my first time, it was the 90s. I will never forget that.)

For this year's Traslacion, Rimas said he is asking the Black Nazarene to give love and patience to the leaders of all countries so killings and wars will be avoided and world peace will be achieved.

"Ang hinihiling ko lang sa kanya ingatan niya ang buong sanlibutan. Tapos ang dasal ko bawat leader ng bawat bansa, bigyan niya ng pagmamahal at mahabang pang-unawa. Huwag iyong patayan, huwag iyong giyera. Dapat magkaunawan. Dahil walang karapatan ang kahit sino sa atin ang kumitil ng buhay kundi siya lamang ang dapat bumawi," Rimas said.

(I only ask him to protect the whole world. And my prayer is for God to give the leaders of all countries love and understanding. No killings. No wars. There should be understanding. None of us has the right to take a life but only God.)

Joviet Pulumbarit, 46 years old, would not let his disability stop him from participating in Traslacion to express his devotion to the Black Nazarene. He suffered from polio when he was one year old.

Pulumbarit said the most memorable experience he had in Traslacion was actually his first one when he was pushed to a sewer and his foot was wounded by broken glass.

"Iyong unang salang ko po, disabled po kasi ako, mga 1994, mga ganiyan. Nabubog po ako. Iyong pagsalang ko po sa loob, iyong paglabas sa akin, naitulak po ako napunta po ako sa imburnal. Pag-apak ko po. Meron po siyang bubog doon. Bumaon po sa akin iyong bubog, sa paa ko po. Binuhat na lang po ako ng mga kasamahan ko. Dinala po ako sa ambulansya. Iyon po talaga ang hindi ko makakalimutan," he said.

"Sinasabihan ako, huwag ka nang sumama diyan ganyan ang nangyayari sayo. Ganyan ka na nga, na-ano pa. Pero sa akin kasi namamanata ka. Kapag namamanata ka. Di mo na iintindihin iyon. Magkaroon ng mangyari sa 'yo, mamatay ka man sa pamamanata at least sa kanya ka," he added.

(My first try getting close to the Black Nazarene was around 1994. I am disabled. I was injured by a broken glass. When I joined the crowd, I was pushed and ended up in a sewer. I stepped on a broken glass. My friends carried me and brought me to an ambulance. I will never forget that.)

(I was told, "Don't go there anymore if that's what's happening to you. You are already disabled. But for me, if you are a devotee, you would not mind the discouragement. Whatever happens to you even death, at least you are with God.)

Photo: Social Communications Ministry of St. John the Baptist Parish - Taytay

Pulumbarit said he started his devotion to the Black Nazarene in 1993. According to him, he learned along the process that devotion is a serious matter and should be taken to heart. In the upcoming Traslacion, he said we will still participate in the procession and if he has the chance to get close to the image, he will take it despite his condition.

"Ngayon matanda na rin ako, 46 e. Siyempre sa kalagayan ko medyo mahina na rin po ako. Hindi ko alam ko makakasalang pa ako, kung papaano, kung sasabay na lang ba ako. Pero kung may pagkakataong sumalang ka, makakasalang ako," he said.

"Kasi hindi naman ako usually sumisiksik e. Nandyan lang ako, nanood lang ako. Pakiramdaman. Kapag nakita mo nang open, pasok. Kung sa pagsiksik, hirap ako e. Ganun talaga lang ako e. Ang panata ko talaga tuwing pupunnta ako ng Quiapo. Makahawak man lang ako sa karo, okay na masaya na ako. Hindi ako uuwi hangga't hindi ako nakahawak sa karo. Tapos sa lubid," he added.

(Now I am old, 46 years old already. Of course, in my condition, I am already weak. I don't know if I still can get close to the Black Nazarene, if I will just go along. But if there is an opportunity, I will do it.)

(I don't usually squeeze myself into the crowd. I was just there, I just watched. I am just waiting for the right time to get near the Black Nazarene. When I see an open space, I will enter it. It is hard for me to squeeze into the crowd. That is what I can only do. My devotion is to go to Quiapo. Touch the carriage. I am already happy. I will not go home until I touch the carriage or at least the rope.)

For Pulumbarit, his disability did not affect his relationship with God. Like other people who are facing different struggles in life, he said he is given this challenge because God knows he can overcome it.

"Kaya nga sa kalagayan ko, kaya minsan maraming nagtatanong sa akin dahil nga sa disabled nga po ako, tinatanong bakit daw kinakaya ko. Sabi ko sa isip ko, siyempre tiwala ako sa kanya na kakayanin ko 'to," Pulumbarit said.

"Na-polio po ako e. Isang taon pa lang po ako. Hindi ito binigay sa akin kung hindi ko kaya. Kaya ko ito kaya ibinigay sa akin. Iyon ang naging pananaw ko kapag binibigyan tayo ng problema kaya natin iyon kaya binibigay iyan. Wala naman taong walang problema, lahat meron," he added.

(That's why in my condition, sometimes, many people ask me because I'm disabled, how was I able to overcome it? I said in my mind, "Of course, I trust God that I can overcome it.")

(I got polio. I was only one year old. This challenge was given to me because I can handle it. That is my outlook when we have problems. That we can overcome it. Everyone has a struggle.)

Arnold Alcantara, 51, is praying for the good health of his family including his mother who will turn 92 years old on the day of Traslacion on January 9. According to him, his mother is suffering from diabetes, high-blood pressure, and other complications.

"Isa pa po sa hiling ko, kalakasan ng aking pamilya. Unang-una ang nanay namin na may sakit ngayon na diabetes, high-blood maraming komplikasyon na rin po. Kaarawan niya ngayon Martes kasabay ng pamamanata ko," he said.

"My other wish is strength for my family. First of all, our mother has diabetes, high blood pressure and many complications. Her birthday coincides with the Traslacion on January 9.)

Alcantara said he also experienced a miracle through the Black Nazarene when he was healed from goiter. He said he dedicated nine Fridays to go to the church.

"Tapos po ang hinihiling ko po sa kanya noon pagalingin niya ako na sa aking sakit na goiter. Nagka-goiter po ako noon hindi ko lang matandaan anong taon. So inilaan ko po ang sarili ko sa kanya bilang isang deboto. Siyam na Biyernes na namanata ako sa kaniya. Kada Biyernes nagsisimba ako ng madaling araw, alas singko, alas kuwatro, binuno ko sa loob ng siyam na Biyernes," he said.

(Then I asked him to heal my goiter. I had a goiter. I just don't remember what year. So I devoted myself to the Black Nazarene as a devotee. For nine Fridays, I go to church early in the morning, at five o'clock, at four o'clock. I completed nine Fridays.)

Photo: Social Communications Ministry of St. John the Baptist Parish - Taytay

He also asked the Black Nazarene to let him work abroad. After three months of applications, he was hired.

"Isa pa iyon sa hiniling ko na makapag-abroad ako. Nag-abroad ako. Hiniling ko sa kaniya na kada may biyahe ako ng Metro Manila dadaan ako ng Quiapo. Itaas ko ang kamay ko sa kaniya para humiling at tuparin. Dahil mahina kasi iyong loob ko noong nag-abroad ako, mahina ako sa English. Sabi ko sa kaniya bahala na po kayo sa akin sa aking pagpunta sa ibang bansa. Bigyan niyo po ako ng kalakasan para sa ikabubuhay ng pamilya ko," he added.

(That's another thing I asked to be able to go abroad. I went abroad. I asked him that whenever I have a trip to Metro Manila, I will go to Quiapo Church. I raised my hand to him to ask and grant my wish. Because I was weak-hearted when I went abroad. My English was terrible. I asked the Black Nazarene to take care of me when I go to another country. Please give me strength for the livelihood of my family.)

Alcantara, who started his devotion in 1991, said that all devotees feel like this year's Traslacion is their first time because of the past three years the traditional processions were not held. He is praying that there will be no tragedy that will happen during the activity.

"Nag-usap na kami ng Mahal na Senyor, bahala na po kayo sa akin, sa mga anak ko na nandito, lahat ng mamamasan na nandito. Gabayan niyo po kaming lahat, ilayo niyo po kami sa lahat ng trahedya na sakuna na mangyayari," he said.

"I already talked to the Black Nazarene. Please take care of me, my children, and those who will carry the carriage. Guide us all, keep us away from all the tragedies and disasters that may happen.)

Alcantara said he will bring his children to Traslacion.He said he already advised them of what they should observe during the procession. For him, it is always safety first.

"Unang-una nating hahanapin iyong safety ng sarili natin na makalabas tayo nang matiwasay. Ang yabang ng isang tao ay hindi natin puwede iiral sa ganiyang sitwasyon dahil milyon ang kalaban nating tao. Unang-una kapag nasiraan tayo ng loob diyan at nanghina ang ating isip at wala na tayong magawa, kakapusin tayo," he said.

(First of all, we will look for our own safety so that we can go out safely. Arrogance should not exist in such a situation because there are millions of people there. First of all, if we get discouraged, become mentally weak, we can do nothing about it, we will be frustrated.)

Jojo Viñas, 49 years old, said that many youth in their balangay will go to Traslacion but they are advised not to get close to the crowd trying to have physical contact with the Black Nazarene. For now, they will go there just to observe.

"Marami kaming first-timer na mga kabataang miyembro. Hindi muna namin sila in-encourage na sumalang agad. Inaano muna namin sila na magmasid, pag-aralan iyong mga ano para hindi sila mapasama. Mahirap din kasi talagang basta mong ilalaban sa ganun mga baguhan pa lang. Gagawin naming responsibilidad iyong paggabay sa kanila," he said.

(We have many first-timers who are young members. We do not encourage them to get near the image. We advised them to just watch them and observe first so they don't get hurt. It would be risky for first-timers to join the crowd near the statue. We will make it our responsibility to guide them.)

Photo: Social Communications Ministry of St. John the Baptist Parish - Taytay

Viñas said that devotees should be physically and spiritually prepared for the Traslacion or else the Black Nazarene will have them kicked out of the procession.

According to Viñas, he started his devotion to the Black Nazarene during the birth of his first child in 1994. He said he prayed for the safety of his child and wife. Viñas said his child grew up to be a good and God-fearing person.

"Iyong pagpapala, iyong sa health ng anak ko, wala naman siyang dinanas kasi para doon naman lagi iyong kahilingan ko, sa health ng pamilya kaya okay naman. Pinag-iingat lang lagi dahil lalo na ngayon nagkaka-edad na hindi na tayo ganun kalakas, mahirap na iyong mga ganung gawain," he said.

(The blessings I have are the health of my son, he hasn't suffered from any illnesses because that's what I always ask for, the health of the family, so everything is okay. My family is reminding me to be careful especially now that I am getting older. I am not that strong anymore, it's hard to do things like that.)

However, he said he will still try to get close to the Black Nazarene in the upcoming Traslacion.

Jay Serrano, 51 years old, said he started his devotion when the Black Nazarene showed up in his dream in 1997.

"Isang gabi, malapit na ang kapistahan, napanaginipan ko po siya. Ang aninag ko mga walang tao pero siya nakapatong lang sa andas. Sa oras ng kapistahan, pumunta ako diyan sa maliit na chapel. May nagsama sa akin kumpare ko ngayon," he said.

(One night when the feast was near, I dreamed of the Black Nazarene. He was just on the carriage and there were no people. During the feast, I went to a little chapel. A friend took me to Traslacion.

"Iyong pinagpuwestuhan ko, iyong lumabas na iyong Nazareno, iyong pinagpuwestuhan ko, iyong ang napanaginipan ko. Madilim po ang tao pero siya maliwanag na nakapatong sa andas. Tapos iyong pinagpuwestuhan ko po sa kanto ng Villalobos pakanan, iyon na rin po. Natigil po doon ang tagal. Kaya po ako para parang na-estatwa. Totoo ang panaginip. Tapos yun nagtuloy-tuloy na," he added.

(When the image came out, my location was the same as my location in my dream. Only the Black Nazarene was lit up, the people were only shadows. Then, the statue was stuck in my position. I froze. My dream came true. After that, I continue following this devotion.)

Photo: Social Communications Ministry of St. John the Baptist Parish - Taytay

Serrano also wished for the Black Nazarene to give him a job in Saudi Arabia.

"Pumunta ako ng Quiapo. Sabi ko sa kaniya sa tatlong buwan ko pong pag-a-apply sa Saudi, kung ayaw niyo po akong paalisin, okay lang po. Pero ngayon po, bigyan niyo ako ng sign kung magtutuloy po ako. Bago ako maka-uwi, tumapat ako sa Dolores yung chapel, may tumawag po sa akin na agency, pinagre-report po ako," he said.

(I went to Quiapo. I told the Black Nazarene that in my three months of applying for a job in Saudi, if he will not let me, it's okay. But now, give me a sign if I will continue. Before I got home, I passed the Dolores chapel. Someone from the agency called me and asked me to report to their office.)

Meanwhile, Serrano lamented that some of the attendees of Traslacion are not true devotees but they are just riding the popularity of the occasion.

"Nasa kanila naman po iyon. Iyong iba po, popular lang po iyong ibang sumasama, makita lang. Basta natawag lang ng barkada po. Makapagdamit. Nakikiuso lang. Meron pong ganun talaga. Hindi po namin maiiwasan po iyon," he added.

(That's up to them. Some were going to Traslacion due to popularity. They just want to be seen participating in the procession. Their friends just dragged them to go. They just want to wear the merchandise. There were people like that. We can do nothing about it.)

Quiapo Church said the theme of the Black Nazarene Feast for 2024 is "Ibig Naming Makita Si Hesus" (We Wish To See Jesus). The Church said many people want to come to the home of the Black Nazarene to seek miracles, comfort, peace, and fill their hearts. Devotees have realized that it is difficult to fill the heart if it does not open itself to the one who truly loves it—the Lord Jesus of Nazareth.

"Patuloy mong ibiging makita si Jesus, patuloy mong ibiging makilala si Jesus, at patuloy mong mahalin si Jesus upang ang buhay maging katulad ng sa buhay ni Jesus at ang buhay maging mukha ni Jesus sa mundong ibig siyang makita," the Quiapo Church said.

(Keep desiring to see Jesus, keep wanting to know Jesus, and keep loving Jesus so that our life can be like the life of Jesus and be the face of Jesus in the world that wants to see him.)

—MGP, GMA Integrated News