Filipinos’ faith will help weather storms – Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos’ faith in God will help them weather the “storms that loom ahead of us,” according to President Marcos, who joins Catholics in celebrating the Feast of the Black Nazarene today.

In his message, Marcos urged Filipinos to use the highly anticipated religious tradition to find new meaning in their passions and sufferings as a people and to center their existence around love, hope and compassion for others as they show their devotion to the Suffering Christ.

“As the Catholic faithful express their devotion to the Black Nazarene, let us also remember its deep rootedness in our Filipino culture of overcoming the great trials and tribulations in our midst,” he said.

“Indeed, it is through our faith that we can conquer the storms that loom ahead of us and bring forth a life filled with grace and steadfastness,” he added.

The President expressed hope that the Black Nazarene, which symbolizes Jesus Christ’s love, hope and compassion, may inspire Filipinos as they open themselves to others and to the world during these extraordinary times.

“Together, let us embody these values as we write a new chapter in our nation’s narrative so we can altogether usher in an era of peace and prosperity for all,” the Chief Executive said.

“I wish everyone a safe, meaningful and solemn observance,” he added.

The Feast of the Black Nazarene marks the arrival of the image of the Nuestro Padre Señor Jesus de Nazareno from its original location in Intramuros to its current home in Quiapo, Manila.

Malacañang has declared this day as a special non-working day in the city of Manila in observance of the feast.

The Traslación, or the procession of the Black Nazarene, is suspended for the third straight year due to the lingering COVID-19 pandemic.

Thousands of devotees, however, were still expected to attend masses at the Quiapo Church and Quirino Grandstand, as well as during the first-ever Walk of Faith.

Before the pandemic, millions of devotees joined the Traslación that lasted for hours.

The Philippines is one of the most predominantly Catholic countries in the world.

There are approximately 76 million Catholics in the Philippines or about 81 percent of its citizens, according to the Catholic World Mission’s website.