Christian Garcia, a 21-year-old Nazareno devotee, joins this year’s Traslacion with his friends. (Photo by Dianne Sampang/INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — With a crutch supporting the right side of his body, a 21-year-old Nazarene devotee walked along with thousands of fellow faithful during the Traslación on Thursday.
According to Christian Garcia, his leg condition was inborn.
However, he does not let his physical disability stop him from fulfilling his devotion to Jesus Nazareno.
He’s been joining the procession for eight years.
“Sanay na po ako. Matagal na rin po,” Garcia told INQUIRER.net.
(I am used to it. It’s been a while already.)
The young dishwasher started participating in the Traslación because of his friend.
“Niyaya lang po ako ng kaibigan ko. Pero sa pag-o-observe, na-realize ko na hindi po ito biro,” Garcia recalled.
(My friend just invited me. But as I observed, I realized that this is not a joke.)
Garcia showed up with his friends, who were clad in yellow and white long-sleeve jerseys on which were printed the words “With God, all things are possible.”
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“Bago maganap ‘tong okasyon, hinahanda na namin ang sarili namin. Umiiwas sa sakit,” Garcia noted.
(Before this occasion happens, we already prepared ourselves. We avoided getting sick.)
He said participating in the celebration of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno gives him a feeling of achievement.
Just like any other devotee, he also entrusts his wishes to Him.
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“Matupad yung kahilingan ng mga kasama ko; mabigyan kami ng magandang kalusugan,” he said when asked why he was doing it.
(For my friend’s wish to come true; so that we will be given good health.)
The procession of the image of Jesus Nazareno this year began around 4:41 a.m.
Millions of devotees are expected to flock to the streets where it will pass through.