OVER 100 Catholic devotees joined the Black Nazarene procession going to the chapel at New Lanzona Subdivision, Zone-7, Matina in Davao City Monday morning.
The image of the Black Nazarene was carried in nearby areas of the subdivision at 4:30 a.m. and was brought back to Black Nazarene Chapel around 6:30 a.m.
Mercy Ayon, whose late mother was the founder of the chapel, said every year the Feast of the Black Nazarene draws hundreds of devotees not only from the city.
Ayon said some devotees came from Cagayan de Oro City and Zamboanga. She added that there were also residents from different areas here who joined the festivity.
There were also devotees who brought small replicas of the Black Nazarene during the procession while whispering their respective personal prayers.
Aside from the big image of the Black Nazarene, an eight-year-old image of the Black Nazarene at the subdivision is believed to have answered the people's prayers.
"Kung blessings lang ang pag-uusapan, sobra-sobrang blessings ang natanggap ko from Him. In fact, the blessings and the trials I've went through are equal," Ayon said.
Ayon said she and her family receive good health, many loyal and true friends, and being happy and contented despite the challenges in life.
"We cannot predict nor even avoid the possible trials in life, but trials bring us closer to God. Our prayers may not be instant but God always has answers," she added.
Melba Lopez, 59, of Matina Aplaya, said she suffered a mild stroke in 2016 and yet she believes her faith in God has brought her back to normal.
Melba's 63-year-old sister Mila also believes that faith leads her to a beautiful life as she and her families are enjoying good health.
There were also devotees who joined the procession for the first time just like 86-year-old Josefina Faraong and her 82-year-old sister Rosalina who also prayed for their good health.
Some devotees also wrote their petition to the Black Nazarene while others lighted a candle. A socio-cultural night was set at the subdivision as of this writing.
Prior to the traslacion of the Black Nazarene, the devotees held a fiesta vigil at the chapel. A Eucharistic Mass was also held after the procession followed by a free medical mission.
The Ayon family in coordination with the chapel's ministry and barangay officials also served free breakfast and lunch for all devotees. Ayon said they do it yearly.