By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on Filipino Catholics to embody love, hope, and compassion as he joined Catholics in celebrating the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Monday, Jan. 9.
In his message, Marcos noted how faith helped the nation in the challenges it had faced.
“Today, we mark the arrival of the image of Nuestro Padre SeSeñor Jesus de Nazareno from its original location in Intramuros to its current home in Quiapo,” his statement read.
“Let us take this highly-anticipated religious tradition as a symbolic movement of our collective earthly journey, finding new meaning in our passions and sufferings as a people,” it continued.
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The President also called on Catholics to remember their devotion’s deep rootedness in the “Filipino culture of overcoming the great trials and tribulations in our midst.”
“May the image of Jesus Christ inspire us to center our existence around love, hope and compassion as we open up ourselves to others and the world during these extraordinary times,” he said.
“Together, let us embody these values as we write a new chapter in our nation’s narrative so we can altogether usher in an area of peace and prosperity for all,” he added.
Marcos declared Jan. 9 as a special non-working holiday in the City of Manila through Proclamation No. 120 for the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene. – ag
