News
By: Franchette Hilarie Alfonso
Assumpta Technical High School welcomed the Black Nazarene in its chapel for its first arrival in the school last Wednesday, October 2, 2024, giving the Assumpta community a chance to pray, reflect, and engage with the century-old Catholic tradition.
To accommodate the Assumptans, faculty, and staff, a structured schedule for visitation and prayer was implemented throughout the day.
Each session lasted 30 minutes and was facilitated by the groups and sections on a mutual schedule. Its flow consisted of hymns, prayers, scripture reading, reflection, silent veneration, intercessory prayers, and the Act of Entrustment to the Black Nazarene.
Assumptans were also invited to write their prayer intentions to be offered to the Black Nazarene and were given the opportunity to view the statue up close before leaving the chapel.
The Black Nazarene is a revered dark statue, depicting Jesus Christ carrying the Cross. It was introduced to the Philippines from Mexico on May 31, 1606.
Most Filipino Catholics view this image as “miraculous” believing that the Black Nazarene has survived numerous disasters. Some claimed its dark complexion was caused by a fire during transportation; however, experts clarified that the statue was originally black due to being carved from Mesquite wood, which darkens over time.
“The culture depicted by the Black Nazarene and its enduring presence shows how the Catholic Church values its beliefs,” said Samantha Talavera, a Grade 11 Assumptan. “This is something that Assumpta aims to nourish within its community.”
