‘Sisters of charity’ shows devotion to Black Nazarene through food-sharing

Flordeliza Burla distributes refreshments to devotees in Quiapo. John Eric Mendoza / INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Millions of faithful demonstrate their devotion to the Black Nazarene by joining the procession of the image, but a group of friends have decided to share blessings to show their gratitude for answered prayers.

Flordeliza Burla, 54; and Raquel Navales, 53, have been conducting their tradition of “caridad” or the act of sharing food to devotees since 2019.

Raquel Navales gives what remains of the goods to a devotee. John Eric Mendoza / INQUIRER.net

The friends, however, noted that they have been devotees of the image since they were little girls.

“Both of our hearts are full whenever we do this,” Burla told INQUIRER.net during their distribution near the Quiapo Church on Tuesday.

“We are doing this because we have to return the continuous blessings we received from our Lord,” she added.

READ: Triple the expected number: Over 6.5-M devotees join Nazarene procession

Burla and Navales ordered about a few hundred pieces of burgers and hotdog sandwiches which they gave away to the devotees.

The food was distributed to devotees — mostly young barefooted males clad in maroon shirts — passing by the Quiapo Church after joining the procession of the image.

READ: Nazareno 2024: Traslacion Live Updates of the Feast of Black Nazarene

Tired and hungry from the long procession, the devotees accepted with gratitude the refreshments they provided.

“It’s better to give than to ask for something,” Navales also told INQUIRER.net.