Viva Poong Hesus Nazareno!
They came with personal intentions and petitions for themselves and others. Some sought miracles of healing, conversion of loved ones, strength and help in their struggles – but above all – love for the Lord and gratitude for His presence. On Friday, March 1, the Christ Cathedral was overflowing with devoted Filipinos and people of faith to venerate the Poong Hesus Nazareno (Jesus of Nazareth) also known as the Black Nazarene.
THE FILIPINO PEOPLE HAVE A DEEP LOVE AND DEVOTION TO THE POONG HESUS, DATING BACK TO THE 1600S. PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
They flowed into the cathedral for Mass that was presided over by Bishop Kevin Vann, who was vibrant with joy and is a close friend of the Filipino community.
Hundreds gathered outside the cathedral’s Cultural Center to see and touch the life-size replica carved in wood of the suffering Christ fallen on one knee and bearing the weight of the cross.
Devotees prayed and took pictures of the holy image that was gifted to the Diocese of Orange by a woman in the Philippines who was miraculously healed of cancer through the intercession of the Black Nazarene.
BISHOP KEVIN VANN CELEBRATED A SPECIAL MASS ON MARCH 1 AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL IN HONOR OF THE VISITING POONG HESUS NAZARENO.
As a sign of veneration, devotees touched a maroon colored “panyolito” (handkerchief) with the Poong Hesus image and novena prayer inscribed on it in yellow and wiped the foot of the sacred statue.
The procession began with trumpets blasts and songs were sung in honor of Hesus Nazareno. The rosary was prayed aloud as the faith filled crowd meditated on the sorrowful mysteries.
A PROCESSION WITH THE VISITING POONG HESUS NAZARENO TOOK PLACE MARCH 1 ON THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS.
Gina Quiniano, a parishioner from St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Huntington Beach, exclaimed numerous times during Mass, “The bishop is singing!” as she and others were deeply touched to see Bishop Vann joyfully leading the congregation in prayer.
Fr. Peter Lavin, A.M, superior of the Alagad ni Maria, known as the Disciples of Mary Religious Community and spiritual advisor to the San Jose Filipino Ministry, was instrumental in bringing the Poong Hesus to Orange. He gave a most passionate and booming homily in “Taglish” (Tagalog and English). He shared that the greatest miracles he has witnessed are conversions of hearts, “people changing their lives” with the help of the Lord.
“Together He is with us through all our trials and experiences in life,” said Fr. Peter.
He spoke of “the instrument of love” and the cross.
“Together, to ease our burden, brothers and sisters, especially those who are depressed, those who are suffering…the Lord is always with us.”
Fr. Peter expressed his gratitude to Bishop Kevin Vann who has been to the Quiapo Church in Manila where a replica of the image has been enshrined since Jan. 9, 1767.
The bishop witnessed the great devotion that the Filipino people have for the Black Nazarene and welcomed the opportunity to have an image locally in Orange.
The original image made of dark mesquite wood and was brought to the Philippines by the Augustinian Recollect Missionaries in 1606 is enshrined in the Recoletos Church in Intramuros.
On Jan. 9, the annual feast day, millions of devotees gather to participate in the procession called the “Traslacion” (the transfer of the image) of the Black Nazarene in which a replica statue is carried through Manila.
“I am aware that millions of Filipinos have a deep devotion and love for Poong Hesus Nazareno,” said Ike Quiaoit, chair of the Diocese of Orange San Jose Filipino Ministry Group.”
“But I never imagined that the exact replica of the 400-plus year old image from Quiapo Church in Manila would come and stay permanently in the Diocese of Orange, thanks to Fr. Peter Lavin and the clergy of Alagad Ni Maria. I consider it a tremendous blessing to be a part of the Diocese of Orange San Jose Filipino Ministry which is responsible for bringing our Poon not just to Filipino Catholics in Southern California but to all people of faith who wish to know Him.”
The Poong Hesus has also touched the lives of others who are not of Filipino descent, including Debbie and Matt Haag, owners of St. Joseph Catholic Books & Gifts in Anaheim. Years ago, a Filipino customer gifted Debbie with a statue of the Black Nazarene in thanksgiving for her father, Joseph France’s service in the 115th Battalion of the “Seabees” during World War II.
“They put in roads, ports and docks in Subic Bay near Manila,” said Debbie Haag. “He was part of the invasion force to free Lingayen Gulf in the Philippines (1943-1945). The memory that my dad was there, and now I have Him (Jesus) here for our customers to come in and venerate if they want to.” If parishes are interested in hosting the Poong Hesus Nazareno, please email [email protected]
To stay up-to-date with Poong Hesus Nazareno, join the online community on Facebook: Diocese of Orange San Jose Filipino Ministry Group.