A Touch that Heals or… Kills?: Exploring the Devotees' Faith Versus the Health and Safety Risks During the Traslación...

The Traslacion, a popular Catholic ritual, is the highlight of celebrating the Feast of the Black Nazarene in the Philippines. It is a procession attended by millions of devotees who are ready to plunge into the crowd to touch, kiss, or wipe the sacred image with white cloths. Along with these acts are the various petitions and requests whispered to God, and the hope that they will be granted. Because of the unpredictable movements of the massive crowd and the longer journey, health and safety risks are heightened. There were even recorded deaths in some years. With this, some people consider it extreme madness and absurdity, rather than a testament of faith. This article explores the experiences and perspectives of selected devotees who actively participate in the Traslacion. It draws inspiration from their narratives about the different factors that motivate them despite the health risks and criticisms from others. Using participant observation and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), their interview transcripts elicit three major themes: walking the path of hope with an unbearable cross; sacrificing health for God and for others; and beauty behind the ugly. These themes collectively focused on their view of God as the last hope for their trials in life; the pride and honor of the family in keeping the panata (sacred vow); the superiority of solidarity and sacrifice for God and others over health risks, and the inner beauty of the seemingly chaotic ritual. Devotion plays a crucial role in human flourishing. However, the value of health must also be prioritized, since it is a means of actualizing one's faith and thus necessary to achieve the same goal.