FOR the true devotees of the Black Nazarene, not even the surging inflation last year was a cause for concern.
Weliza Suyat, 40, and her nine other relatives left their home in Cavite as early as 12 a.m. and arrived at the grounds of the Quirino Grandstand two hours later. They knew there would be large crowds for the traditional Pahalik.
“The rise in prices of basic commodities is just natural and we are already used to it,” Suyat said.
“Even if there is a financial crisis we could still feel the presence of the Señor Nazareno and we manage to get by,” she added.
Last year the inflation rate started exceeding the projection of the government economic managers as early as March, when it reached 4.3 percent.
It continued to soar throughout the year before settling at 6.7 percent in September and October. It finally slowed down to 6 percent in November.
Instead of focusing on their economic woes, Suyat said she would opt to pray for good health, as well as harmony and peace in their family.
Suyat said she has been a devotee of the Black Nazarene since 2011, when she was introduced by her “changed brother” to it. She said the Nazarene has answered many of her prayers since then.
The Caviteña said they hope to pass on the practice to their children, including her youngest son, 18-month-old Duke Kingsley Aurelius.
Show of gratitude
Renato Ele also reflected faith in the Nazarene when it comes to addressing the rising cost of living.
“It is already there so we just have to accept it,” said Ele, who was waiting at the special line for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and pregnant women.
But unlike other devotees, the 55-year-old vegetable vendor’s relation with the Nazarene is centered on gratitude rather than asking for favors.
“I no longer ask for anything since everything was already given to me,” Ele said.
He said he is thankful for his livelihood and for still being able to go to Quiapo Church every Friday despite his multiple ailments.
Ele became a devotee of the Black Nazarene after he was brought to Quiapo Church by his wife after suffering from a stroke.
While he noticed the constant increase in the number of believers of the Black Nazarene, he lamented he may be the last in his family to show a similar devotion.
“That is why I will always pray for them…. Given the opportunity and [if] I remain strong, I would still continue my devotion in the coming years,” Ele said.
Early veneration
Suyat and Ele were among the 16,350 devotees who were the first to venerate the Black Nazarene during the traditional Pahalik in Manila on Tuesday.
The figure was based on the crowd estimate of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as of 12 p.m. on the number of people who lined up for the event for a chance to touch the feet and cross of the historic darkened image of Jesus Christ being displayed at the stage of the Quirino Grandstand.
The activity, which precedes the world-renowned procession of the Black Nazarene, was supposed to start at 8 a.m., but Quiapo Church officials decided to accommodate the crowd immediately after the 6 a.m. Mass at the grandstand.
“We decided to start early so they [devotees] will no longer have to wait two more hours for the Pahalik. We hope this will be more convenient for them and allow them to go home early,” Quiapo Church parochial vicar Douglas Badong said.
In his homily during the Mass, Badong urged the volunteers and the media, who will be participating in the 2019 Traslación, to express their love in the performance of their duties.
Quiapo Church rector and parish priest Msgr. Hernando Coronel then later thanked them for their services for the 2019 Traslación.
The long lines for the Pahalik started from Manila Hotel and stretched to Roxas Boulevard before returning to the Quirino Grandstand.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza