Historic visit of Black Nazarene in Sapian attracts more devotees
The couple behind the visit of the Black Nazarene in
Sapian Mayor and Mrs Arturo "Turik" Orosco, Ph.D.
SAPIAN, Capiz – For more than 400 years, the first ever and historical visit of the Jesus Black Nazarene sculpture of Quiapo here last Friday attracted more devotees along the way on a caravan from Baybay, Roxas City going to Sapian. The image traveled for more than three hours to reach Sapian.
The Black Nazarene will stay in Sapian until August 22 where a procession will be held at around 2 p.m. within the town poblacion. The procession will also coincide with Sapian Mayor Arturo "Turik" Orosco's birthday and delivery of his State of the Municipal Address (SOMA).
Thousands of devotees along the way got their handkerchiefs, towels or dresses touch the image and the cross as they believed they will be healed of their illness and bring good luck to them.
Orosco said it is the first time that the Black Nazarene was brought to Sapian. He said that the image is the original Nazarene from Quiapo used in the much sought procession every January 9.
People from all walks of life in Ivisan, Capiz welcome
the arrival of the image.
Orosco said, Msrg, Jose Clemente Ignacio, parish priest of Quiapo who happened to be a native of Roxas City, granted his request to have the image brought to Sapian because he and his wife "Inday Vangie" Oñas Orosco are active in the religious activities for the past 30 years particularly in Quiapo.
Msgr. Ignacio led the mass last Saturday at the Sapian Catholic Church where the pilgrim stayed for one week.
Last year, Our Lady of Manaoag was also brought to Sapian.
Several top ranking officials as well as ordinary devotees are expected to troop to Sapian town to see the original image.
Bro. Manuel Reyes, assistant coordinator of the image from Quiapo, said that he devoted his whole life to the Black Nazarene. He is being accompanied by: Bros. Ricardo Pacia, Potentiano Barbado, Manolito Evangelista, Julius Maño, Larry del Rosario, Anthony Cruz, Felino Borgonia and Apolinario Maranan, all are caretakers of the Nuestra Padre Jesus Nazareno, all of Nuetra Padre Jesus Nazareno of Quiapo.