Youth Nazareno devotee shares, Magaan sa loob pag sumasamba sa Kanya

Fifteen-year-old Mark Steven Jongco (wearing a bandana), Central Hijos youth chapter member, decides to follow the example of his grandfather as a volunteer. PHOTO BY ANNA FELICIA BAJO

For Mark Steven Jongco, head of the youth chapter of Central Hijos, being a devotee of the Black Nazarene at a young age means a lot.

The 15-year-old shared with GMA News Online that he followed the footsteps of his grandfather, who was a volunteer during the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

He said he has served as youth volunteer for four years.

"Kasi po namana ko na rin sa lolo ko saka sa mga erpat ko... sa mga tita ko. Simula po sa tatay ng lolo ko," Jongco said.

"Ano po parang magaan ang loob mo pag sumasamba ka sa Kanya..." he added.

Jongco said the youth group, composed of more or less 60 youngsters aged 18-years-old and below, help in directing the route of the procession of the image.

"Kasi po sa aming mga kabataan... hinuhubog pa lang po kami sa malayo pero sinusubukan na rin po naming sumampa," Jongco said.

"Kami po 'yung mag-aano po kung paparating na 'yung Mahal na Poon. Parang kami po magpapahiwatig na malapit na ang Poon. May bandera po. 'Yung dadaanan po namin 'yung dadaanan ng Nazareno," he explained.

Meanwhile, Jongco's prayer for this year is not for himself but for his parents: "Sana po matuloy 'yung trabaho ng magulang ko sa ibang bansa."

Jongco said at 5 a.m., the group would troop to Manila Hotel to help in directing the contingent traverse the route of the Traslacion.