Vice Pres. Sara Duterte Calls on Catholic Devotees to Ponder on Shortcomings, Seek Forgiveness
SARA DUTERTE – The Vice President gave a message for the Catholics on the Feast of the Black Nazarene which is held today.
While there are several national holidays in the Philippines this 2026, there are also local holidays or those that are specific in certain cities, municipalities, and provinces. Today is a special non-working day in Manila for the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene. The annual Traslacion is being held today.
The Traslacion is the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene and it usually gathers thousands of Roman Catholic devotees. In fact, a lot of showbiz celebrities are devotees of the Black Nazarene and usually join the procession.
Many Filipinos endure the crowd, the tight situation, and all the challenges for the contact to the image of the Black Nazarene. As the Roman Catholics celebrate this religious event, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte gave a message for the people.
Through a post on social media, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte claimed that the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene emphasizes our strong faith as Filipinos. According to her, our devotion to the Black Nazarene reminds us of the immeasurable love, sacrifice, and humility of Jesus for the people.
“Ang debosyon sa Black Nazarene ay nagpapaalala sa atin ng walang kapantay na pag-ibig, sakripisyo, at pagpapakumbaba ni Hesus para sa sangkatauhan. Sa bawat taon, ang bawat hakbang na tinatahak ng mga deboto, sa kabila ng hirap at pagsubok, ay nagpapatibay sa ating pananampalataya,” the Vice President stated.
Vice Pres. Sara Duterte further stated that the Feast of the Black Nazarene is not only a celebration that is already part of the tradition but a call to reflect on our shortcomings and ask forgiveness. According to her, the religious event also reminds us to thank the Lord for all the blessings we received.
“Ang Pista ng Itim na Nazareno ay hindi lamang isang selebrasyon ng nakagisnan na tradisyon, isa itong panawagan upang pagnilayan ang ating mga pagkukulang, humingi ng tawad, at magpasalamat sa lahat ng biyayang natanggap,” Duterte wrote.
Through the post, the Vice President expressed her hope that the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene will serve as an inspiration for us to continue to live out the teachings of love and trust in the plan of God for us.
Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also gave a message for Catholics on the Feast of the Black Nazarene.