President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. joined the Catholic community in celebrating the feast day of the Black Nazarene on Tuesday, January 9.
In his message released by the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos urged Filipinos to be an instrument of "peace, unity, and compassion" for fellowmen and the country.
"May it also inspire us to deepen our connection with God and one another so that we may become instruments of peace, unity, and compassion for our fellow Filipinos and our country," he said.
"With our faith guiding our every word and deed, I am certain that we will build a brighter future for our nation and create a world where love, kindness, and harmony reign supreme," the President continued.
Marcos also encouraged Filipinos to reflect on the "love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ" and to embrace one's sufferings and hardships during this event.
"Let this occasion also remind us of the virtue of embracing our sufferings, for it is during moments of hardship that we are given the opportunity to undergo renewal and spiritual transformation. By working through our struggles and difficulties, we discover our inner strength and resolve, emerging from the pits of darkness and despair with a renewed sense of hope and purpose," he remarked.
The Translacion or the annual grand procession of the Black Nazarene’s image officially began on Tuesday morning. The flow of the procession was reportedly smooth as compared to the previous years.
Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna earlier said that they expect that the crowd estimate in the annual grand procession would reach two million.
The President had declared January 9, the Feast of the Black Nazarene, as a non-working holiday in Manila City.
