MANILA – Devotees of the Black Nazarene were urged to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ over temptations like money, vices, and evildoers as it will only lead them to failure and despair.
During the traditional Misa Mayor at the Quirino Grandstand early Thursday, Manila Archbishop Jose Advicula told the Nazareno faithful to live by the commandments of Jesus Nazareno.
“Siya (Jesus Nazareno) ang sundin natin. Ang mga utos Niya ang isabuhay natin. Ang mga aral Niya ang isapuso natin. Ang halimbawa Niya ang tularan. Mas mabuti ang pagsunod sa mahal na Señor,” Advicula said.
He added: “Pag-asa kay Hesus at pagsunod kay Hesus; ito ang mga tanda ng tunay na deboto. Ipangako natin ito kay Hesus, siya lamang ang maaasahan natin, siya ang laging nating sundin.”
The Dumalag, Capiz-native Advincula further said there is hope because Jesus Nazareno is alive.
“Nabubuhay Siya sa mga puso natin, nabubuhay Siya sa paligid natin, nabubuhay Siya kasama natin. Huwag na tayong magpapatay-patay. Habang may pagasa, may buhay kaya’t mabuhay tayo sa pagasa kay Hesus,” Advincula said.
This year marks the first Black Nazarene celebration since it was declared a “national feast,” which all dioceses in the country will observe.
Celebrated every January 9, the Translacion commemorates the transfer of the image of the Black Nazarene from the San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Intramuros to Quiapo Church in 1700s./PN
