Faithful of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) Diocese of Antique, who gathered to celebrate the Feast of the Nazarene in the municipality of Sibalom, are told to continue carrying the cross as a manifestation of their true devotion.

Fr. Franklin Zerrudo, in his homily during the Friday mass, said the Nazarene depicts Jesus Christ, who was scarred and thirsty, while carrying the heavy cross during his crucifixion.

“The cross symbolizes your sickness, joblessness and other problems that the Nazarene is carrying with you,” Zerrudo said.

He carried the cross because of His love for humanity so the faithful should also bear the cross as a manifestation of their true devotion and as a way towards their salvation.

Meanwhile, devotees have claimed blessings as a result of their devotion.

Joji Añovert owns one of the two Nazarene images that joined the procession around the Sibalom town proper. She bought the four-foot wooden image while she was working in Hong Kong in the 1970s.

She believed that her prayers were granted, particularly for her only son, who is now a seafarer.

“I think I have nothing more to ask from the Nazarene, but to thank him for all the blessings,” she added.

A caretaker of another Nazarene, Ben Villasor, said the Nazarene was instrumental in his godson, Mark Vagilidad, getting employed with the Philippine Coast Guard, where he also met his wife, Charlene. Vagilidad, in 2019, prayed at the Nazarene in Quiapo for employment and a wife; both were granted.

“Every year, we always make sure that the Nazarene is being prepared for his feast,” he said.

Villasor also prayed for good health so he could still continue to serve in the church. (PNA)