This year's Traslacion procession serves as a stark reminder of the injustices faced by true Christians, particularly the oppression of the vulnerable. The Black Nazarene statue, with its image of Jesus of Nazareth carrying his cross, symbolizes solidarity with all people and challenges racist attitudes. The article calls for greater action against human rights violations, highlighting the need for true Christians to emulate Jesus' example of defending the marginalized and speaking truth to power.
This year's Traslacion , the annual procession of the Black Nazarene , served as a stark reminder of the injustices faced by true Christians today. The revered image depicts Jesus with dark skin, symbolizing inclusivity and solidarity with people of all races and backgrounds. The Black Nazarene can be interpreted as a powerful message against racism and a stand in support of the Aeta people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Philippines who endure discrimination.
Many devotees believe coming close to the statue can bring miracles. However, the true miracle we need is the conversion of those who claim to be Christian yet ignore the suffering of the oppressed and abused, particularly children. We can all actively defend victims of human rights violations that persist today. Imagine monthly processions in every diocese advocating for peace, supporting the victims of the so-called war on drugs and their families, murdered human rights workers and environmental defenders, and journalists killed by state-sponsored death squads. These individuals died while defending the poor and speaking and writing the truth. True Christians strive to emulate Jesus by taking action to help victims of human rights violations, including sexually abused and exploited children. They report these crimes and never cover them up. In contrast, fake Christians hide the truth, lack the courage to assist these victims, and fail to hold abusers accountable for their actions, as Jesus himself commanded in Matthew 18:6. Jesus was a staunch defender of human dignity, particularly for women, children, the poor, and the exploited. He challenged powerful authorities who profaned the temple, turning it into a marketplace for personal gain. This defiance led to his execution. Jesus also embraced the words of the Prophet Isaiah, embarking on a mission to liberate the oppressed from poverty, restore sight to the blind (both literally and figuratively, by exposing human rights violations), free the unjustly imprisoned, and proclaim God's liberation of his people. In the Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55), Mary prophesied that God would humble the proud, bring down the mighty, lift up the downtrodden, and satisfy the hungry. Jesus aimed to establish God's Kingdom on Earth, a realm characterized by equality, social justice, respect, and love for one another, where peace would prevail. His disciples were called to embody the humility and innocence of a child (Matthew 18:1–5), and Jesus himself exemplified servant leadership by washing the feet of his disciples (John 13:1–21). Unfortunately, Catholicism in the Philippines, and some of its leaders, demonstrate little interest in defending human dignity and opposing rights violations—the very same affronts Jesus endured. This shameful silence and inaction emboldened the regime to continue its killings. A few courageous bishops and priests bravely protested these violations and supported the victims' families. Despite this, so-called death squads murdered an estimated 30,000 Filipinos. Suspects, often labeled as drug users or subversives without due process or evidence, were summarily executed. Millions of Catholics remained silent, casting a dark shadow over the nation's professed Catholicism. Did the Church challenge the regime and its leader, organizing mass processions to demand an end to the killings? Pope Francis made the right decision by elevating Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David to the rank of cardinal for his unwavering defense of victims of state terror and extrajudicial killings. These crimes continue to this day. Pope Francis acknowledges this reality, stating that many live in affluence while others face the disregard, contempt, and violation of their most basic rights. His thoughts and support extend to those who suffer intolerance, discrimination, and violence based on their race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion. He also remembers the victims of armed conflict, denouncing those who profit from bloodshed. Human Rights Watch reports that the human rights situation in the Philippines remains dire, with extrajudicial killings and attacks on activists and journalists still prevalent. The International Criminal Court is currently investigating Rodrigo Duterte for the killings that occurred in Davao City during his mayoral term and later as president. I personally campaigned against the killing of street children in Davao City and faced libel charges brought by the city mayor, but ultimately won the case. Similarly, speaking out against and exposing child sexual abuse in Olongapo City led to legal action against me by the Bureau of Immigration.
Traslacion Black Nazarene Human Rights Christianity Justice Inequality Philippines Pope Francis Extrajudicial Killings Racism
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