FAITH AND DEVOTION

How a man lost everything but found peace through Nazareno

- By PATRICK ELY GARCIA

True to its theme, "Dapat Siyang Tumaas, at Ako Nama'y Bumaba" (He must become greater; I must become less)—taken from John 3:30, this year's celebration of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno saw thousands of devotees humbled by their faith and devotion.

Attendees sacrificed time and had to shed sweat and tears just to have the chance to touch and pay seconds-to tribute-even for a few the Nazareno, who has become both their savior and guiding light.

The "andas" carrying the image of Jesus Nazareno departed the Quirino Grandstand at 3:58 a.m. on Jan. 9, formally marking the start of the Traslacion. Church and city officials said the andas moved out noticeably fast. However, as it approach Arlegui Street in Quiapo at 3:22 p.m., two ropes used to pull the andas snapped, momentarily halting the procession.

As of press time, the Traslacion was still half way the route to Quiapo Church.

During the Pahalik-where devotees line up for hours to touch and wipe cloths on the statue, believing that doing so transfers the Nazareno's healing and blessing powers to them-on the eve of the Traslacion, a man stood out among the devotees because of his shirt that bore the photo of a woman and a young girl, along with the words: "Hesus Nazareno, alagaan niyo po sila (Jesus Nazareno, please take care of them)." The man introduced himself as Gener, a 46-year-old dispatching officer at a delivery company in Valenzuela City.