Local Literature

The Black Nazarene is a life-sized, dark-colored, wooden sculpture of

Jesus Christ held to be miraculous by many people, especially its Filipino

devotees. Its original carver is an anonymous Mexican carpenter, and the

image was transported by galleon from Mexico.

The image is currently enshrined in the Minor Basilica of the Black

Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines where novena celebrations are held

every Friday throughout the whole year. Roman Catholic tradition holds that the

Black Nazarene came from a boat that caught fire, turning it from its original

white into black or charred complexion. The Black Nazarene is carried into the

streets for procession in a "Caroza" or carriage. Alisa Pierson (2011) quoted that Most Americans are aware that the

Philippines is comprised of Catholics, but Catholicism and spirituality in the

Philippines extends beyond just being Catholic. In fact the way religion is

practiced in the Philippines is very unique in comparison to the form Christianity

takes in the west or other areas of the globe. Filipino Catholicism is practiced

alongside and influenced by pre-colonial indigenous religions and indigenous

Filipino concepts that are found in other areas of Southeast Asia. To

understand how Christianity is practiced in the Philippines it is important to look

at the unique ways Filipinos manifest their spirituality, how gender plays a role,

and less common religious nuances that characterize Christianity in the

Philippines. A discussion of religion in the Philippines would not be complete

without paying attention to the unique place of Muslims in the Philippines.

Through this discussion it will become clear that religion in the Philippines

is indeed very influenced by western religions but