FOR EVERYDAY IS A PANATA, EVERY ACTION IS A TRASLACION*

FOR EVERYDAY IS A PANATA, EVERY ACTION IS A TRASLACION*

(Notes after the Feast of the Holy Nazarene)

If people would understand this meaning and observe it, what more that they live through it then they truly bear what Christ has carried through in their hearts and minds.

For as this writer traversed the streets of Quiapo during the feast of the Black Nazarene, the people find themselves really stubborn for the Lord, to be a “fool” for Christ  as they struggle to reach the centuries-old venerated statue of the Lord- either to touch or to wipe it with a cloth, all despite the usual description of being disorderly that made people criticise that said event.

For both domestic and international media in this age have spared no effort to show that a devotee, a "Hijo del Nazareno" during the feast of the Black Nazarene behaving fanatically, knowing nothing but their faith, of their yearnness just to get close to the statue if not for their stubbornness, despite its organisers trying to make the event as much as possible less disastrous if not entirely orderly with the help of Local Government and the Police.

That somehow made this writer paraphrase Ali Shariati's quote that "everyday is a Panata, and in every action is a Traslacion". For like the Ashura of the Shiite Muslims, Devotees remember the passion of the Lord by following his footsteps, of taking a vow and undertaking sacrifice all in return for a favor. Thus, other than remembering the Lord's passion and glory, it is also a “recognition of a debt and its promised payment among the devotees.” according to Mark Iñigo Tallara from a 2017 article about the occasion.

But this sacred occasion doesn't limit itself to the sea of maroon-clad masses gathered in the streets of Manila. For also during that occasion the media also showeth the mass inside Quiapo Church where thousands also gather inside from dawn till dusk all to offer the prayer congregationally as the priest presides. It is also where people from all walks of life also supplicating to the Lord humbly, asking for forgiveness to whom they called as the "Lord of Pardon" known for carrying his cross and "takes away the sins of the world." While some do even show their activities around Quiapo's Barangays, that even needed to occupy a portion of the street or a small passage all for their contests and drinking sprees. Truly, it is also a "Fiesta" like no other for them.

But despite these, the media are rather concerned much in showing the devotee's fanaticism especially in reaching the centuries-old ebony statue. For since early morning they've expected the most determined devotees all walking the 6.5 km route barefoot from Rizal Park all to Quiapo minor basilica both as penance and an emulation of Jesus on his way to Golgotha- and from these walks, as well as pulling the ropes and of reaching the statue for a blessing sometimes end in scuffles amongst themselves while police and its organisers are as much as possible trying to control the situation.

What more that there are scenes that also feature scuffles between police and the devotees trying to break the cordon and to reach their treasured Nazarene and its miracles. Cannot blame the devotee for their eagerness, for knowing that they all came to renew their faith through being in communion with Christ through the statue of the Black Nazarene. In fact onlookers in social media sites would even think why on earth out of so-called "security" the police had to act like brutal thugs to the devotees the way they did so towards activists- that made a concerned think they forgot that they're in a religious festivity and these devotees know how to police their ranks? Of course there are instances of scuffles, injuries, and all, but to see a policeman beating a devotee? This may again tarnish the authority!

And also to think that it is true that what some of the devotees do during that event is sometimes far from their usual mindsets. Some are even far from their usual deeds as persons. These doings are but habits, traditions, as well as emotions that overcome and make them really yearn more, struggling to grab the rope or to reach the platform where the statue stood, trying to wipe their cloth or their hand to the statue whom they think will bring them luck or to cure a loved one. And from these habits, these become part of the lore that's inherited by one generation from another, all in blind imitation that at times without any sense other than getting Luck. In fact, most people feel that their hardship is a deed that brings man closer to God and Christ.

Sometimes, as this person watched the news regarding that event, as well as seeing the actual, would say that the event lies blessing despite the pain. True that there are scuffles, and some even taketh time for a meal, jest, laugh and drink as if everything ends with the end of the ritual. The oddest, however, is that these followers are not really pious, if not thinking about their material want instead of really seeking forgiveness to the "Lord of Pardon" that is, Christ himself. Thus, this person, like other Christians including those of the organisers of the event have to criticise them thinking that sometimes their faith is contrary to their actual act as persons.

Perhaps, may God have mercy on them on that occasion especially that most of these devotees are themselves, sinners- and to think that they are trying to seek forgiveness, of bringing luck, or anything that for them is a blessing,  sometimes this person would even think that their actions are more than those words, but rather becomes itself a collective rehearsal for coming action for change and retribution. That according to Gerardo Lanuza in his Nazareno-related post made last January 9, 2017:

"Can we not interpret the traslacion as a collective rehearsal of 5 to 8 million for the revolution to come? A mix of enthusiasm, devotion, patience, perseverance, and endurance. Revolutionary virtues that collective uprising demands. What keeps these people going and persevering? Hope."

For like the protest actions with its assertions for a lasting peace based from justice and freedom, these pious folks do also shared that desire, having a sense of peace, justice and freedom from sin and distress as they wait for the hope coming from God through Christ. Sounds political isn't it? For knowing that they all turned to their faith, seeking God for mercy, miracle, forgiveness, or a blessing.

And also from these devotees, in really bringing their own personal concerns and sufferings, all with urgency as if taking things directly to Christ walking among them in that long hour walk, that at times facing the taunt but still clinging to the thought that the Lord is with them in their endurance notwithstanding the tiredness from their bodies, the thirst, hunger, nor the pain in their soles. It is not surprising, but from their actions would say that there is a struggle to fight on, a goal to reach, and a world to win.

Thus, again, Everyday is a Panata, Everyday is a Traslacion- and the goal: Liberation.

*Apologies to the late Ali Shariati, for his quote "Everyday is Ashura, Everyday is Karbala" also happens in Quiapo.