A Muslim Filipino’s initiative to donate food and water to Black Nazarene devotees during the Traslacion warmed the hearts of many Filipinos.
Mawiyag Sarip, regional director of Alpha Phi Omega’s National Capital Region chapter, was among those who practiced “caridad” during the annual grand procession attended by Catholic devotees on Friday, January 9.
“Caridad,” which means “charity” in Spanish, refers to the act of sharing food or drinks with others, a practice commonly observed during Holy Week.
Sarip was among those who handed out free water and food to participants in the annual procession, which carries the image of the Black Nazarene from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
He took the initiative with his group, saying in an interview: “Regardless of religion, basta makatulong kami sa mamamayan, ‘yun lang ginagawa namin.”
Sarip’s words were later turned into a quote card and shared in the “r/Philippines” community on Reddit on Saturday, January 10.
“Muslim donates food during Traslacion: This is more than Religion,” the post’s title read.
Muslim donates food during Traslacion: This is more than Religion
byu/Karmas_Classroom inPhilippines
The post has amassed 6,400 upvotes, nearly 200 comments and five awards on Reddit, with several Filipinos expressing support in the discussion thread.
“Nakakatuwa isipin na ginagawa ng mga Muslim ito kahit magkaiba sila ng paniniwala, especially nasa iisang komunidad sila,” a Reddit user commented.
“This is common in Zamboanga City. Kung may calamity, residents of both religion, nagtutulungan. Kaya don’t group them with the extremists, kasi ang daming religious Muslim na gumagawa ng volunteer works alongside Christians,” another said.
“Hope we can keep this kind of energy tbh [to be honest], I’m happy,” a different Pinoy commented.
“Kindness has no religion. Salamat po!” another Redditor said.
Another Reddit user pointed out that it is not only Muslims who extend such acts of kindness.
“Quiapo Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines actively support Muslim communities during Ramadan in the Philippines through interfaith initiatives, providing essential foods packs for Iftar (breaking the fast) and offering spaces in areas like Quiapo fostering unity, compassion, and showing solidarity by sharing resources, reflecting common values of fasting, service, and charity between faiths. Yearly nilang ginagawa ito,” the Reddit user said.
A fellow Black Nazarene devotee was also seen giving food to her fellow devotees, a practice she has been doing for 50 years.
The devotee, Concepcion Montero, said they will continue the initiative “for as long as they can.”
ALSO READ: 50 years of feeding faith: Black Nazarene devotee shares free bread
On January 9, hundreds of thousands of people participated in the annual Traslacion, which reenacts Jesus Christ carrying his cross to Calvary.
READ: Devotees in Philippines join massive ‘Black Nazarene’ procession | Nazareno devotion should shape social conscience, priest says
Every year, Catholic devotees take part in the event, seeking blessings and divine favor, believing the image of the Black Nazarene to be miraculous.
The Black Nazarene is a life-sized wooden sculpture of Jesus Christ carrying the cross
