Storm-ravaged city of Cagayan de Oro fetes own Black Nazarene

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines—Gloria Bagayno takes a two-hour trip twice a week from Salay town in Misamis Oriental to pray to the image of the Black Nazarene at the Nazareno Parish in this city.

Monday, however, was special day for the 63-year-old as it was the Feast of the Black Nazarene–and the fact that Cagayan De Oro was still reeling from widespread devastation caused by floods wrought by Tropical Storm “Sendong” did not keep her from her regular veneration.

Three years ago, a replica of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo Church in Manila was brought to this city, starting a procession that, every year since, draws thousands of Catholic faithful from across Mindanao.

But Bagayno professes she has been a devotee of the Black Nazarene even before its replica was brought to Cagayan De Oro City in 2011.

“I was still young when my faith was tested and each week, I visit this church to pray,” she said.

“I pray for health, forgiveness and economic freedom. I don’t ask much, I don’t have much but my faith in Him,” Bagayno said.

Edmund Examinada brought his wife Mary Jane and two children to church on Monday.

“I pray for my family and for me to have a regular job,” said Examinada, who skipped work to join the procession of the Black Nazarene.

“I asked my boss for a leave at work, so I can join this annual gathering and I hope that I will be doing this until my dying day,” Examinado added.

As early as Sunday morning, thousands of devotees have been lining up to kiss and touch the replica of the Black Nazarene, a dark-colored sculpture of Jesus Christ.

In 2011, an estimated crowd of 30,000 joined Cagayan de Oro’s Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Authorities have yet to give a final estimate of this year’s attendance.