Black Nazarene replica procession gets ball rolling

NEARLY 500 devotees trooped to the Quiapo Church yesterday, bringing along replicas of the iconic Black Nazarene to join a procession in the streets of Manila as the countdown to the Traslacion got going.

Information released by the Quiapo Church said there were 450 participants from different Hijos del Nazareno groups that joined the 1st day of the Replica and Istandarte Blessing and Procession.

The Hijos del Nazareno-Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno had the most members joining with 180 devotees, followed by the 150 members of the Hijos del Nazareno-Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene.

There were also 120 members of the Hijos del Nazareno-Basilica that participated in the event.

More devotees and organizations are expected to join the 2nd day of the Replica and Istandarte Blessing and Procession today, Thursday.

The replica procession is aimed to decongest the actual grand procession of the Black Nazarene on January 9.

Last week, the Quiapo Church announced the return of the grand procession of the Black Nazarene, which was mothballed from 2021 to 2023 due to the coronavirus disease pandemic.

Like before the pandemic, the grand procession will start at the Quirino Grandstand and conclude at the Quiapo Church.

With the grand procession just days away, the Quiapo Church yesterday issued reminders for those who shall be participating in “Traslacion 2024.”

Quiapo Church officials said devotees are prohibited from climbing the carriage carrying the image of the black Christ but throwing cloths and handkerchiefs to be wiped at the image are allowed.

They reminded devotees to maintain order during the procession, especially when attempting to hold the ropes connected to the carriage.

Quiapo Church organizers said it would be best to use small and transparent bags when joining the grand procession.

ADDITIONAL COPS

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has requested additional policemen to secure the Traslacion on January 9.

Acorda said the request was made by NCRPO Director Maj. Gen. Jose Nartatez Jr., who noted the possible eagerness of Black Nazarene devotees to attend the feast.

Last Tuesday, Acorda said 13,691