Poon Nazareno Devotees

The Black Nazarene refers to a life-sized, dark-skinned statue of Jesus Christ carrying the cross, venerated in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines. The statue was carved in the 16th century in Mexico and was brought to the Philippines by Spanish missionaries in 1606. The image gained a devoted following, and an annual procession called the Traslacion. The Traslacion involves millions of devotees joining a procession to honor the Black Nazarene, a symbol of faith, devotion, and miracles.

 

On July 26, 2022, the image of the Black Nazarene arrived at Saint Martha Church, the Passionist in Bethany, Jerusalem. It was delivered by Fr. Earl P. Valdez, and Mr. Alex Irasga, who is a parishioner at Quiapo Church, along with his family. On July 30, 2022, Papal Nuncio Adolfo Tito Yllana’s celebrated his 50th presbyteral anniversary. It is also at this time when the image of the Black Nazarene was enthroned and was consecrated by the Papal Nuncio.

 

All of this is also due to the diligence and thorough management of Fr. Ramel Poquita, CP, who wrote to Monsignor Hernando Coronel to realize the existence of devotion and the image of the Black Nazarene. It was then the devotion to the Black Nazarene starts, and the devotees comes every Friday at St. Martha Church.