Hundreds of Filipino Catholics welcome beloved statue of Jesus
Hundreds of Filipino Catholics celebrate the arrival of the Black Nazarene (Jesus Nazareno) Statue, at St. Peter Damian Church in Bartlett on Aug. 17, 2025. One of the most beloved Filipino Catholic traditions is devotion to the Black Nazarene, a life-sized statue of Jesus carrying the cross. The original statue is housed in the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines. Following a blessing and Mass, parishioners walked in an outdoor candlelight procession to a spot where the statue will be on display for veneration. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Hundreds of Filipino Catholics celebrate the arrival of the Black Nazarene (Jesus Nazareno) Statue, at St. Peter Damian Church in Bartlett on Aug. 17, 2025. One of the most beloved Filipino Catholic traditions is devotion to the Black Nazarene, a life-sized statue of Jesus carrying the cross. The original statue is housed in the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines. Following a blessing and Mass, parishioners walked in an outdoor candlelight procession to a spot where the statue will be on display for veneration. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Participants hold candles while praying at the end of Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Father Chris Ciomek, pastor of St. Peter Damian Parish, blesses the statue as Father Rene Mangahas, Deacon John Porter and Father Erwin De la Cruz assist. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Father Rene Mangahas incenses the statue. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
