Black Nazarene devotees: Facing COVID-19 scare with faith, caution

(Zeus Legaspi / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — Despite a large crowd in and around Quiapo Church, some devotees of the Black Nazarene on Monday said that their faith — and safety precautions — will protect them from COVID-19.

For Jenny Pelojero, COVID-19 policies are not as strictly enforced as they used to be, saying that simply wearing a mask is enough to prevent transmitting the virus.

“Naka-face mask naman kami kaya kahit paano, protected. At iyong pupuntahan natin ay ang Nazareno, for sure poprotektahan Niya tayo sa virus,” she said.

(We are wearing face masks so somehow, we’re protected. And we’re going to the Black Nazarene, for sure He will protect us from the virus.)

Angie Gulpo, who entered the church without wearing a face mask, said that she is no longer concerned about contracting COVID-19.

“Sa ngayon, ang paniniwala ko, wala na [virus]. Dahil kung palaging nasa isip natin ay mayroon pang virus, paano na ang mangyayari sa atin? Palagi na lang tayo sa loob ng bahay?” she asked.

(Right now, I believe that the virus is no longer here. Because if we always think about the virus, what will happen to us? We’ll just stay indoors all the time?)

Another devotee, Grace Cajigas said that while she is trying to adhere to health regulations, she still relies on the Nazarene to keep her safe.

“Kailangan naka-mask tayo. Huwag tayo masyadong magfront sa maraming tao, para maka-iwas din tayo. Nasa pag-iingat na lang din natin iyan at iba iyong mayroon tayong pananampalataya sa itaas,” Cajigas said.

(We need to wear masks. Let’s avoid crowds. It’s also about being cautious and having faith in God.)

“Ang paniniwala natin, nasa pag-iingat then bahala na si Nazareno, pero kailangan pa rin mag-ingat,” she added.

(I believe that we need to be cautious, and then the rest is up to the Nazarene. But we still need to be cautious.)

Traslacion 2024 spokesperson Fr. Hans Magdurulang reiterated his reminder for devotees to adhere to health protocols.

“Although you may see others removing their face masks, we won’t stop (reminding them). Just because they’re not following doesn’t mean we will stop reminding everyone,” he said in Filipino.

observe necessary precautions and safety measures to avoid contracting the COVID-19 virus.