Costly Jesus Nazareno replicas not a problem for ‘grateful hearts’

Devotees pose for a photo with a life-sized Jesus Nazareno replica participating in processions. INQUIRER PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – It would cost thousands of pesos to have a life-sized image of Jesus Nazareno, but for some devotees, spending for it is never too much because it is nothing compared to the considerable blessings they received from the Señor.

“Kailanman, hindi niya ako tinalikuran (He never turned his back on me),” said 53-year-old Glenn Gonzalvo, who bought a replica of Jesus Nazareno for P60,000 between 2008 and 2009.

He told INQUIRER.net that he was already a devotee when he decided to have a life-sized image of Jesus Nazareno, as the one towered at the high altar of Quiapo Church.

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It was worth P60,000 then, but Gonzalvo still proceeded with the purchase, saying that he did not want to fail on the promise he made to Jesus Nazareno when his wife and child were in critical condition over a decade ago.

“Dinugo ‘yong misis ko. Six months at three weeks pa lang ang ipinagbubuntis niya noon kaya napaaga ang panganganak niya (My wife had a bleeding. She was only six months and three weeks pregnant when she delivered our baby),” he said.

He said he asked the Nazareno to save them while making a “panata,” or vow, that should they survive, he would get a replica that would later participate in processions, especially before the Traslacion every Jan. 9.

The Traslacion, which first took place between 1767 and 1787, commemorates the transfer of the centuries-old image of Jesus Nazareno from Bagumbayan to its present church in Quiapo, Manila.

Gonzalvo explained that he eventually bought a replica to express his gratitude to Jesus Nazareno, saying that his baby, who had to stay at the intensive care unit for weeks over a decade ago, is now 18 years old.

“Kapag deboto ka, naniniwala ka na nasa Quiapo ang sagot sa mga pagsubok (If you are a devotee, you believe that the key to addressing your problems is in Quiapo),” Gonzalvo said.

READ: Nazareno 2025: Woman, 91, travels 171 km to keep 74-year devotion

A life-sized image of Jesus Nazareno is now worth 100,000 to P400,000, but like Gonzalvo, some devotees told INQUIRER.net that the cost will never be an issue for a heart filled with hope and gratitude.

“Paraan din kasi ito ng pagpapasalamat (It is our way of thanksgiving, too),” said 38-year-old Renato Almachar, of Sta. Cruz, Manila, whose family bought a life-sized image of the Señor for P400,000 in 2022.