‘LSS?’ Pirated CD of Nazareno song sold in Quiapo

A copy of a compilation CD featuring the hymn “Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno” being sold in Quiapo, Manila. ANTHONY Q. ESGUERRA/INQUIRER.net

“Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno, Iligtas Mo kami sa Kasalanan! Ang Krus Mong kinamatayan ay Sagisag ng aming Kaligtasan.”

So goes the lyrics of “Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno”, the official anthem of devotion for the Black Nazarene. And for devotees and media personnel alike, this is the subject of their LSS or “last song syndrome” during the annual Black Nazarene feast day.

Composed by the late National Artist for Music Lucio San Pedro, the hymn is the main music used in the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, which culminates in the procession or the “traslacion” of the ebony-hued image of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

READ: Black Nazarene ‘traslacion’ draws more than 1M devotees

The hymn is sung or played on loop until the 17^th century image enters the Minor Basilica in Quiapo, Manila. It is also the finale song of the masses held in Quiapo Church.

But it seems like the devotees of the Black Nazarene can’t get enough of the song.

In fact, copies of pirated CDs featuring the iconic hymn and other songs like “Poong Nazareno” and “Lumang Krus” (Filipino translation of “Old Rugged Cross”) circulate in the ever busy streets of Quiapo.

Pirated CD and DVD vendors in the place said that it was their best-seller for the week. They also played the song on loop to attract devotees.

“Marami na [akong] naibenta. Mga 30 (I had sold a lot [of copies]. Around 30),” alias Roger, who refused to be named for being involved in the illegal business, told INQUIRER.net.

Selling the CDs for 20 pesos, Roger said he believed that God blesses him because he plays the song and sells copies of it to the devotees of the Black Nazarene.

“Parang pamamanata ko na [rin] ‘yon (It is also my way of showing my devotion),” the 29-year-old said.

He said his colleagues sell more copies than him because they were “true devotees” of the Nazarene.

“Tignan mo ‘yong may tato sa braso. Poong Nasareno yon. Kaya nakakarami ‘yan eh,” he said in jest.

(Look at those who have tattoos on their arms. That’s the Black Nazarene. That’s why they sell a lot.)

Asked about his petition or wish to the Black Nazarene and whether he would get the same tattoo, Roger said he was already content with his life.

“Okay na yung hindi kami nagkakasakit (It’s enough that we don’t get sick).”

READ: Muslim convert still thanking Black Nazarene

‘Very touching’

A 64-year-old devotee said she bought a copy of the CD because it always touches her soul.

“I like it. The melody is nice. Very touching. Naka-touch ang mga songs nila (The songs are very touching),” Dr. Ma. Remedios Resurreccion told INQUIRER.net.

Devotees buy “Nazareno” CDs as souvenirs. ANTHONY Q. ESGUERRA

Resurreccion, who has been a devotee since 2007, was among those who flocked the cart of Roger to buy a copy of the CD.

Most of them insisted on testing the CDs. Who knows? The Nazareno hymn might unintentionally play on loop in their CD players at home. CDG

Below are the full lyrics of the hymn: