We just ushered in the new year. This is an opportune time to resume my posting. The start of a new year inspires people to resolve to do better and make new beginnings. I don't make new year resolutions any more. I'd rather strive to be better each day. At night time, after examining my day, I see my failings and weaknesses. The following day, I become conscious of my actions and try as much not to fall into the same mistakes.
Beginnings also give us hope to rise up amidst our failures. However, sometimes a new day brings unexpected news as well. Early last year, a friend passed away unexpectedly. A few days into 2016, a colleague coming back from Christmas vacation died in a vehicular accident.
In our family, as the year draws to a close a few minutes before midnight and as the new year comes in, we sit together and pray in thanksgiving for the past year. We then invoke God's mercy and blessings for the new year.
Incidentally, the feast of the Black Nazarene is celebrated on the 9th of January. So I started a novena on the first day of the year. Every year, there is a big celebration of this feast in Manila, Philippines. This draws a large number of people from everywhere to participate in the procession, considered to be the largest in the country. The Philippines is predominantly Catholic. Most Filipinos still participate in age-old church traditions in thanksgiving for favors received and also in the hope of having their prayers answered.
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| Black Nazarene at the Minor Basilica, Quiapo Manila |
In my view, what is important is that these practices result in genuine life transformation and stronger faith for the believer.
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| Procession of Black Nazarene replicas coming from different places |
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| Procession of Black Nazarene replicas being blessed by priests |
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| Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene-Quezon Boulevard, Quiapo, Manila |
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