No mountain high enough for Black Nazarene devotees in Bohol

Midnight mass during the start of feast and traslacion of Black Nazarene at Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, Manila. In Bohol, devotees climb Mt. Calvary for the feast.  EDWIN BACASMAS/INQUIRER

BOHOL, Philippines–No mountain was high for hundreds of devotees who visited Mt. Calvary in Barangay Malinao of Garcia-Hernandez town in this province, for the feast of the Black Nazarene on Saturday.

Luzonia Bajao, 46, brought her 11-year-old son in trekking at least 3 km from the barangay (village) proper to the mountain to pay homage to the Black Nazarene.

She said the Nazarene granted her wish to heal her daughter who had rheumatic heart disease.

The night before the operation, Bajao said she prayed to the Black Nazarene for a miracle.

Bajao said her daughter, who also had tuberculosis, was supposed to be operated on.

“The heart surgery didn’t push through because the surgeon could no longer find the inflammation of the heart liming muscles and valves. It was indeed a miracle,” said Bajao.

The doctor was surprised why her daughter was healed without any medication, she said.

“The Nazarene was always so good in proving himself as the greatest physician,” said Bajao.

Concordia Galon, 80, said that she has been attending the annual feast for two consecutive years.

Bragging she is still strong to climb the mountain despite her age, Galon, who came from Jagna town, said she walked for several kilometers just to see the Nazarene.

She said her prayer to the Black Nazarene was to be granted a longer and healthy life.

Asked how long she would continue attending the annual feast, Galon replied with a smile: “As long as the Black Nazarene will give me life.”

The Mt. Calvary (originally named Mt. Kalagan) is a “holy” mountain for the devotees of the Black Nazarene.

In May 2011, Marina Reblinca, a purported visionary and healer, brought the image of the Black Nazarene from Palawan to Mt. Calvary and established a small chapel funded by devotees.

“We were from Palawan. The Nazarene told me He wanted to be here in this place. I followed His order. Then people flocked here,” said Reblinca.

She said the Nazarene protected the place when 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Bohol in 2013 that devastated 43 towns of 47 municipalities and one city.

She said the Black Nazarene gives hope, heals the sickness and comforts the people.

“The Black Nazarene would never abandon you if you have strong faith in him,” she said.

Saturday’s feast had Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Cleofas Silagan. After the Mass, people were treated to a free lunch.

People would fall in line to kiss the image of the Black Nazarene. Reblinca carried the image of the Nazarene and touched the heads and shoulders of the devotees for healing and miracle.

The chapel housed the big image of the Black Nazarene, while a smaller version of the image was displayed at the crest of the mountain, a few meters from the chapel. People left their slippers and walked barefooted when visiting the crest since the place was considered holy.

Besides trees, small caves, boat coffins and some paraphernalia of the faith healers were found here.

Mt. Calvary continues to lure pilgrims and devotees proving that indeed, there ain’t no mountain high enough to keep God from them. TVJ