Duterte on Feast of Black Nazarene:Pray for country’s recovery, humanity’s healing

Quiapo Church (file photo / Manila Public Information Office Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines — Demonstrate faith by praying for the Philippines’ recovery and for humanity’s healing, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Sunday during the observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

The Feast of the Black Nazarene is annually commemorated from January 7 to 9.

“This venerated religious tradition, which commemorates the transfer of the image of Jesus Christ from its original place in Intramuros to its current shrine in Quiapo, is also a precious time for every devotee to understand the value of suffering and its saving grace,” Duterte said in a statement.

“Faith is the conviction of things that we hope for, even if unseen. Although we may not be able to take part in the usual Traslacion activities that have marked the celebration for centuries, let us keep on demonstrating our faith by praying for our country’s recovery and for humanity’s complete healing, especially from the ill effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

The president, moreover, hoped for unity in “spirit and in truth.”

President Rodrigo Duterte in file photo  (Screengrab from RTVM / Palace video)

“As a predominantly Catholic nation, may we remain united in spirit and in truth as we continue to build a future that is truly blessed with peace, prosperity, love and goodwill for all,” Duterte said.

The National Task Force Against COVID-19 earlier suspended anew this year’s traslacion, the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene due to spiking COVID-19 infections.

 The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, commonly known as Quiapo Church, is likewise closed from January 7 to 9.

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