Devotees recently celebrated the 17the anniversary of taking care of the “Senior Gwapo,” a replica of the Black Nazarene.
Enshrined in a humble chapel at Consuelo Street, Barangay Marulas, Valenzuela City, “Senior Gwapo” has been looked after by a group of devotees headed by Rhia Morales, Malou Toreja, and Michael Lombos since 2005.
The image was recognized and registered at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene on June 20, 2017, upon the advice of the parochial vicar, Fr. Douglas Badong.
Since then, the replica became formally known as the “Senior Zeno de Benedictus.” Members of the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (NPJN) gave the replica the name “Zeno,” which came from Morales’ two-year-old son Collins Konrad Franzesco Morales.
Devotion to the Black Nazarene remains very much alive amid the COVID-19. The stringent provisions imposed by the government to prevent the spread of the disease did not hamper devotees in expressing their thanksgiving and supplications to the Black Nazarene of Quiapo.
To date, devotees of the Senior Zeno de Benedictus continue to increase in number attracting those who hold fast to their unwavering faith in the Black Nazarene.