Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Many Filipinos ended 2016 with a celebration of their faith.
The rain did not stop devotees of the Black Nazarene from joining the thanksgiving procession on New Year’s eve. Starting at 2:25 a.m. Saturday, thousands of devotees pushed the carriage around Quiapo and parts of Manila.
At around 10 a.m., it started raining, leaving the sleepless and barefoot devotees tired and soaked from the rain. But they stayed put and patiently waited for the arrival of the holy icon.
As the replica image approached Quiapo Church, the devotees started to sing with their hands raised toward the Black Nazarene, some shouted “Viva!,” while others tried to push themselves toward the carriage.
After eight long hours, the Black Nazarene was back in Quiapo Church.
Vincent Inobaya said for 16 years now, he has been assigned to open the gates of the church to welcome the Black Nazarene.
He is the tattoo-clad leader of Spartans, a group of men who helps ensure peace and order during the processions of the Black Nazarene.
“Nagtataka po ako na sa dami ng tattoo ko sa katawan, marami pa po ang nakikinig sa aking mga salita,” Inobaya said.
[Translation: I wonder why people listen to me despite my tattoos.]
Inobaya admitted, prior to being a devotee, he led a chaotic, violent life. It completely changed when he started volunteering for the processions.
Quiapo Church Rector Monsignor Hernando Coronel said the procession is a yearly tradition in thanksgiving to the Black Nazarene’s blessings.
“Umikot tayo sa komunidad, sa ating parokya at ang mga tao ay masaya ng nagpasalamat sa patnubay at gabay ng Poong Nazareno,” he said.
[Translation: We are going around the community, our parish, and people are happy for the guidance of the Black Nazarene.]
The end of the year also marks the first day of the nine-day novena in preparation for the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, 2017.
