The religious procession of the 400-year-old image of Jesus Christ continues to draw massive crowds, both present and past. As the annual celebration of Jesus Nazareno is only a day away, the expected number of devotees who will join the Traslacion remains exceptionally high.
On Thursday, the image of Jesus Nazareno will be paraded in the streets of Manila, marking the first Traslacion after its three-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its popularity and the media's saturated coverage of the significant religious day, Traslacion continues to be surrounded by misconceptions.
To better understand the solemn transfer of Jesus Nazareno to the Quiapo Church (Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno), Rev. Fr. Jordan Avila offers his insights on the annual celebration of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno. He is a missionary priest from the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) and is currently based in Nueva Ecija.
Worship or Veneration, What’s the Difference?
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the event is how non-Catholics perceive it as a form of worship. According to Fr. Avila, there is a distinction between worship and veneration.
“Tayong mga katoliko ay sumasamba lamang sa Diyos, at ginagalang natin ang mga imahen na banal [tulad ng Hesus Nazareno],” he said.
According to Fr. Avila, worship is the ultimate form of reverence, adoration, and devotion. Worship is reserved exclusively for and to God; while veneration is a lesser degree of reverence involving respect, honor, and devotion.
This form of devotion is directed to saints, images, relics, and holy objects. Through respecting the revered figures, Fr. Avila noted that people seek intercession or inspiration from them. He also clarified that Catholics do not pray to them directly, but ask the saints to intercede or help them when offering their prayers to God.
Although it may appear like devotees are worshipping the image of Jesus Nazareno as thousands participate in the procession, vigil, and take turns with the “pahalik,” Fr. Avila clarified that this tradition is a form of honoring the image.
“Ang paghalik at pagpahid sa imahen o sagradong bagay ay hindi idolatry, ito'y paraan natin ng paggalang sa isang banal [na] imahen,” Fr. Avila noted.
“Ang mga imahen ng mga Santo o Santa ay representasyon ng mga taong banal, habang sila ay nabubuhay pa ay nagpakita ng kabanalan, o extraordinary form of love and faith. Sila ay nabuhay nang may kahanga-hangang pagmamahal at pagsasabuhay ng kanilang pananampalataya sa Diyos,” he furthered.
Taking Solemnity into Account
Although the Traslacion is considered the highest liturgical rank of a feast, Fr. Avila suggested that devotees take note of the importance of discipline and its real purpose.
Thousands of participants flock to the streets near Quiapo Church to catch a glimpse of or get near the image. This year, authorities are expecting a high volume of devotees to participate in the event, posing a higher risk of accidents. With that in mind, Fr. Avila reminded the public to be aware of their surroundings, as accidents might occur.
A Reminder for Devotees
The annual religious event is aimed at honoring the Jesus Nazareno. Devotees are there to pay their respects to the image and are expected to take the traslacion seriously. Although it is also a form of celebration, Fr. Avila emphasized the importance of discipline.
Additionally, participants are also expected to put their faith into practice when attending the occasion. The annual event is not meant to be a one-time thing. Fr. Avila described some attendees as “occasional Catholics” or those who only make the effort to get closer to God during the said event.
In some cases, people don’t follow through and refrain from attending the Sunday mass.
“Ang kakulangan sa kaalaman ang sigurong dahilan kung bakit hindi naisasabuhay ng mga deboto ang totoong [uri] ng pananampalataya,” Fr. Avila said.
Other Ways People Can Participate
While most people choose to brave the crowds in Quiapo Church during the said occasion, some cannot travel to the city. For those who still want to participate from the comfort of their homes, here are a few suggestions that you can do, according to Fr. Avila:
- Attend the mass live streamed through television, radio, or online platforms
- Those who want to see Jesus Nazareno in person can opt to participate in the church’s Nazarene Visitation (Dalaw Nazareno) every year.
- Individuals can also extend help to the devotees who will brave the crowd in Quiapo, Manila by offering food, water, and/or accommodation for the attendees.
“Ang pista ng Nazareno ay makahulugan sa buhay ng mga katoliko at deboto, dahil ito’y nagpapakita ng malalim na ugnayan ng tao sa Diyos. Ang napakaraming kwento ng milagrong ginawa ng Diyos sa tao ay nagpapatunay ng labis-labis na pagmamahal ng Diyos sa [mga] tao,” Fr. Avila ended.
