Parish celebrates Feast of Black Nazarene

Devotees flocked to the Parish of the Holy Cross at Tabuco, Naga City as they celebrate the Feast of Jesus, the Black Nazarene on January 9, 2021 at five in the afternoon.

A pontifical concelebrated mass was led by Daet Bishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D. at the parish church. He was joined by Fr. Eugene Lubigan, parish priest of Tabuco, Fr. Roy Raña and other concelebrating priests.

Bishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D. blesses the devotees on the Feast of Jesus, the Black Nazarene at the Parish of the Holy Cross, Tabuco, Naga City on January 9, 2021.

The 32nd annual feast of the parish, gathered devotees from various sectors in the city. Following health protocols, they came wearing face masks, amid the downpour of rain. Some brought along their small statues of the Black Nazarene to have it blessed. The Eucharistic Celebration was followed by a motorcade procession through the streets of the city.

Fr. Eugene Lubigan, the parish priest, expressed his gratitude to all the members of the Hijos of Nazareno, the parish pastoral council, the barangay pastoral council, local government units, enforcement agencies, and all those who participated in the peaceful celebration of the novena masses in spite of challenging situations.

“Dai kamo matakot, si Hesus ini!” (Mt.14: 22-33), was the theme chosen for this year’s celebration. Due to the pandemic, the parish opted for a simple celebration. Attendance to the mass was limited. Strict health protocols were followed: wearing of face masks, face shields and use of hand sanitizers.

Instead of the traditional procession, a motorcade procession was conducted. No one was allowed to join the procession on foot.

Novena masses were live - streamed in the facebook page of the parish.