Priest tells of two images of the Black Nazarene

The Filipino's devotion to the Black Nazarene  shows no distinction between the poor and the rich.

The origin, however, of the image itself tells of two identical Nazarenos that showed the divide in the social standing of people.

According to Fr. Rommel Rubia, former parish priest of Basilica Minore de San Sebastian, there used to be two Nazarenos: Nazareno Guapo, and Nazareno Itim.

Both were carved from dark wood, but Nazareno Guapo looked more elegant that made Intramuros officials decide to keep it.  The other image, Nazareno Itim, was given to the ordinary folks of Quiapo.

"Ang Intramuros para sa mayayaman. 'Yan 'yung 'pangmayayaman,'" Rubia said.

Intramuros before were within walls and "indios" were not allowed to stay inside during the olden times.

He added, "Kaya binigay 'yung isa sa Quiapo na tinawag na 'pangmasa'".

However, only the Black Nazarene survived.  Nazareno Guapo was destroyed during the  bombing of Intramuros in 1945.

Traslacion or the procession of the Black Nazarene is set on Wednesday, January 9. The feast is one of the most popular religious events in the country and is expected to draw over 2.5 million devotees. —LDF, GMA News