January 9, 2016, 8:55 p.m. – DEVOTEES of the Black Nazarene were encouraged to live a life of humility and spirituality during the Holy Mass of the Feast of the Black Nazarene at Quirino Grandstand in Manila, Jan. 9.
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle encouraged the devotees to imitate Christ by being humble, reminding them that the Lord humbled himself by becoming man and dying for the sins of men.
“A person cannot be merciful and compassionate if he could not lower himself in humility,” Cardinal Tagle said. “Let us make this as the pattern of a life of spirituality.”
With the theme “Banal na Eukaristiya, Buhay ng Sumasampalataya sa Poong Jesus Nazareno sa Taon ng Awa,” the prelate noted that this year’s celebration came ahead of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress to be held in Cebu on Jan. 24-31.
The Feast of the Black Nazarene marked the annual tradition of the “traslacion” or procession of the dark-colored life-sized image of Jesus Christ carrying the Cross, from Quirino Grandstand to the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila.
Prior to the Mass, the traditional “Pahalik” was held Jan. 8 at Quirino Grandstand.
The image passed along Taft Avenue, Quezon Boulevard, Hidalgo Street and Plaza Miranda before returning to Quiapo Church.
Fifteen million devotees were expected to participate in the annual event in Manila. Gabriel M. Agcaoili
