December 26, 2023

VERY REV. RUFINO SESCON, JR.

Rector and Parish Priest
Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene

Dear Reverend Father:

Greetings!

We are Justine Julian Inocando and Rizia Adria Santos, BA Philosophy undergraduate students at the
University of the Philippines – Los Baños. In fulfillment of the requirements for the Philosophy of
Religion course, our pair is writing an ethnographic study entitled, "Ang mga Palad sa Quiapo: Isang
Etnograpiya sa Kabalintunaan ng Pananampalataya at Panghuhula sa Loob at Labas ng Quiapo." Our
study focuses on the juxtaposition and co-existence of the sacred (the Poong Nazareno) and the profane
(panghuhula) in the vicinity of Quiapo Church. We are also interested in how the palms is used by
devotees to express their faith are the same palms read by fortune-tellers.

In this light, especially as the Feast of the Black Nazarene and the Traslacion draws near, we hope to hear
the view of the Catholic Church in the Philippines regarding this juxtaposition and co-existence from the
perspective of authority and pastoral charity. Thus, we would like to humbly ask for your thoughts
regarding this matter through a written interview. Attached herewith are the questions for your perusal.

Should you accept our invitation, you may contact us via messenger at @justinefying or email at
joinocando@up.edu.ph.

We hope for your favorable response regarding our request. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Justine Julian O. Inocando

BA Philosophy, UPLB

Rizia Adria D. Santos

BA Philosophy, UPLB
 ANG MGA PALAD SA QUIAPO:
Isang Etnograpiya sa Kabalintunaan ng Pananampalataya at Panghuhula
sa Loob at Labas ng Quiapo

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. How is the relationship of the fortune-tellers with the Church?

2. How does their presence affect the Church, the pilgrims, and devotees?
3. Do they have permission to conduct their activities around the Quiapo Church?
4. How does the Church feel when most of these fortune-tellers are also devotees of the Black
Nazarene?
5. What is the definitive view of the Church regarding fortune-tellers? Where does this “power”
come from if there is such?
6. In view of pastoral charity, how does the Church deal with fortune-tellers and people who avail
their services?
7. Would you say that panghuhula within the vicinity of the Quiapo Church can be a potent venue
for spirirtual/religious experience?