Coco Martin | Image: @JEMendozaINQ/X
Coco Martin, a known Black Nazarene devotee, joined the Traslacion 2024 after its three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The actor delivered a speech to his fellow devotees, saying that they should remain committed to their devotion.
On January 9, the ‘Batang Quiapo’ star spoke to his co-devotees at the Quirino Grandstand before the procession went on its way. Martin urged the people to remain devoted and loyal to the Black Nazarene, noting that their faith is always heard.
“Sa lahat ng mga tao, sa lahat ng mga Filipino, isa lang, huwag kayong mapapagod at magsasawang mangarap. Sa pagdarasal natin, sa pananalig natin sa ating mga panginoon, lagi niya tayong naririnig, at hinding hindi niya tayo bibiguin,” said the actor.
Martin noted that he clings to the Lord’s presence every time he faces challenges, and he is always reminded of the miracles that his faith in God delivers.
“Isa lang ang aking pinaniniwalaan; alam ko na merong Diyos. Alam ko sa tuwing meron akong hinihiling, tuwing meron akong problema, alam ko lagi siyang nanjan. Doon nagkakaroon ako ng pagkakataon na mag isip, nagkakaroon siya ng isang himala,” he added.
The ‘Ang Probinsyano’ actor has been a devotee since 2007. He said in one of his interviews over the years that it was his grandmother who introduced the “panata” to him and the one who brought him to Quaipo.
During the pandemic, the Traslacion took a pause, but several activities, including the “Pagpupugay” at the Quirino Grandstand, the “Walk of Faith” going to Quiapo Church, and hourly Masses, were observed, which Martin also participated in at the time.
Aside from Martin, Noli de Castro, Angeline Quinto, McCoy de Leon, and Giselle Sanchez are among celebrities who are known devotees of the Black Nazarene for many years, although, as of this writing, they have yet to be spotted in this year’s Traslacion.
The Traslacion is the nearly 24-hour procession that brings the image of the Black Nazarene from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.