Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. (File photo by RICHARD A. REYES / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Like the Black Nazarene, Filipinos remained steadfast despite suffering from different forms of injustices, inequality, and right abuses, Senator Francis Pangilinan said on Tuesday.
Pangilinan expressed solidarity with millions of devotees who flocked in Manila to join the annual Traslacion in celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
“The Black Nazarene elicits the most passionate devotion because while His image bears suffering, it is not passive. While He bears the cross, He exudes strength,” the Senator said in a statement.
“Pilipino si Poong Nazareno. Tayo siya. Nagdurusa dahil nagmamahal ng kapwa. Dahil alam natin na may katapusan ang pagtitiis. Dahil natatapos ang pasanin sa sama-sama nating paghila ng lubid ng andas,” he said.
According to Pangilinan, Filipinos had let their faith guide them throughout the country’s “painful history” and will continue to do so as they face “injustice, inequality, and disregard of our rights.”
“We suffer, we become strong. We sacrifice, we overcome,” he said.
“Let this spirit of solidarity, exemplified in the raw devotion to the Black Nazarene, unite us to love each other as Filipinos, as fellow travellers in life,” he added. /kga