I don’t know if I will be judged by these devoted Catholics with what I am going to write below, still, I will share my thoughts. And, if you are not ready to hear something that might hurt you, stop reading now.

I used to lived in Quiapo for a period of time, or for 2 short periods of time rather. One, during childhood; two, during teenage years. But this was the first time I’ve seen the famous Black Nazarene this close (thanks to a very close friend who helped us find a spot in order to have a better view for shooting).

And just like everyone else, who have seen this event up close and personal, I too have felt the urge to cry. You will later understand why as you go on reading.

Looking at these people, and how devoted they were to the Black Nazarene, made me realized two (2) things:

(1) There are still a lot of people who don’t understand the Word of God. There are still so many people who don’t know if they will go to heaven and meet Jesus when they die. Yes, they maybe have touched the Black Nazarene, which they say represents Jesus, but do they have a real relationship with Jesus? A relationship that the real Jesus longs to have with us not with His representation. Yes, I admire their devotion and commitment and how I wish many Christians (including me) will acquire that somehow, but the question is, do they have that kind of devotion and faith with the real Jesus? And the truth is, He is actually the One reaching for us not the other way around. Come to think of it, if God is a prayer away, why would you desperately do these things in order to be healed, to be forgiven of sins, to be heard or to have an answer prayer? We don’t have to do things the hard way because Jesus made it easy already. I wonder, if I ask each of them “would you go to heaven when you die?”, how many would say “Yes, because I have a relationship with Jesus. I accepted Him as God and as my personal Savior and that He died for my sins”. It is stated in John 3:16, read your Bible.

(2) What are you doing, Christians? Look at these people, have you tried sharing the gospel or the Truth about having a relationship with Jesus to your friends and loved ones? Look at the number of these people, what are you doing? Have you at least tried? I mean, the Truth should not just stay with you, it should be passed on. It is meant to be passed on.

I strongly advice to other Christians to witness this annual event in person, because I believed that Jesus will also reveal things with them. Things that would make them cry.

And while it is still a year before the feast takes place again, here are some of the things I have experienced that might prepare you ahead, if you plan to witness this event personally.

Do not bring your toddler with you, if you have one. Although, you will see many children joining the procession.

Plan ahead to where will you park your vehicle. I wonder how hard it is to get through these mob if you suddenly change your parking area. Study the route of the procession before hand.

AFP, PNP, Barangay Officials, Red Cross and other volunteers are there to maintain peace and order, and supply medical assistance in the place. They will be seen at almost every corner of streets.

It was a good thing that there were medics on every corner of the streets because there were lots of people who needed medical attention.

Another thing I admire in this feast is how Filipinos practice their kindness and generosity by providing food and drinks to the exhausted devotees. This practice is called “Caridad”.

The children from the window above give water in a plastic to the devotees below.

We waited on our spot for more than 2 hours, I guess, before we’ve finally witnessed the Black Nazarene. And with that span of time, I managed to observe how the street became crowded as time goes by. And here is the chronological order of the street photos as the mob gets larger. You will also notice how many groups/chapters of devotees from different places in the Philippines have joined the procession, and this happens every year.

the end tail of the procession

If you wish to know more about the Quiapo’s Black Nazarene, feel free to search it on Google 😛 but before that, here’s a footage of the devotees pulling the rope of the ANDAS: sea of people and when they shout otso.  This is a dangerous thing, many people died from the previous procession because of this rope.

Also, a big thanks to this Barangay who allowed us to stay in their place to have a better view of the procession of the Black Nazarene.

And here’s a bonus photo to (hopefully) enlighten your mood 😀

P.S. Devotees joining the procession don’t wear anything to protect their feet. It’s part of the devotion. Just in case, you didn’t notice :p

P.P.S. Read the Bible in order to get closer to Jesus. 🙂