Belief in Black Nazarene's healing power still very much alive

Attending the annual Traslacion, despite the risks and inconveniences, became a channel of thanksgiving for some devotees of the Black Nazarene as they believe that they were delivered from various illnesses through faith.

According to a report on Unang Balita on Thursday, the strong devotion of Elsa Honrado and her daughter Lei to the Black Nazarene stems from the healing that the former received.

Elsa, already past her prime years, became bed-ridden after being diagnosed with myoma in 2016. Her doctor advised that removing the lump, which is the size of a tennis ball, from her ovary could be dangerous.

"Sabi ng doktor hindi ako puwedeng operahan kasi baka hindi ako magising na, magkaroon ng organ failure," she said.

Elsa has been fervently attending Traslacion since she was 10 years old and she believes God would not forsake her even if she pushes through with the operation.

Her daughter Lei prayed for God's will to prevail.

"Sabi ko kay Poong Nazareno, kung ano po ang nasa puso ninyo, kung kukunin niyo po ang aking ina, gawin niyo po para hindi na lang mahirapan," Lei said.

God has not been deaf to their prayers and gave Elsa a healthy body after the successful operation — further strengthening the faith of the two.

"Gagawin ko ang lahat, kahit mahirapan ako, sa tuwing unang Biyernes ng buwan," Lei vowed.

Meanwhile, Carl Sarmiento became a devotee after he almost lost his mother to a heart attack in 2011.

"Noong inatake siya tapos sinugod sa ospital tapos sabi ng doktor may 30 minutes na siyang namatay. Nangyari po kasi 'yun mag-January po, magpipiyesta na po ng Itim na Nazareno. Sakto po sinubukan kong mamanata," he recalled.

Carlo believes her mother has been healed because of the prayers he offered to the Black Nazarene.

Grateful, he said that he will carry this faith into his grave.

"Hanggang ikamatay ko na po ang pamamanata," Carlo said.

Three to four million devotees are expected to meet the image of the Black Nazarene as it traverses various stations from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church during this year's Traslacion. —Dona Magsino/KBK, GMA News