MANILA (UCAN): Government and Church authorities in the Philippines have cancelled Black Nazarene activities including the traslacion or solemn transfer of the image attended by millions of the faithful in Manila.
Rector of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene—popularly known as Quiapo Church—Monsignor Hernando Coronel, announced on October 28 that instead of the procession, devotees could view the image of the Black Nazarene at a church balcony and offer prayers.
The decision was made to prevent further spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in the Philippines, he said.
“Instead of the traditional kissing of the image called pahalik (to kiss), we will replace it with pagtanaw or viewing the statue from afar. In this way devotees can still see the Black Nazarene and say their prayers,” Monsignor Coronel explained in a statement.
During the pahalik devotees line up for hours to kiss and touch the feet of the image, it is usually held at the Quirino Grandstand a day before the procession to Quiapo Church
The traslacion, is attended by millions who walk with the image barefoot for more than 14 hours. In 2019, an estimated 3.3 million people joined the procession which lasted for 16 hours. At least 251 people were injured.
Monsignor Coronel has said the image would be brought up to the church balcony some time in December.
“The pilgrim image of the Nazarene will be brought up to the balcony of the church fronting Plaza Miranda two weeks before the actual Feast Day (January 9). It will be on display for two weeks so that people will have more time to venerate,” the monsignor added.
“It will be the first time there will be no procession after the war because we all need to be more mindful of the safety precautions and protocols against the coronavirus,” said Manila mayor, Isko Moreno Domagoso.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Domagoso has urged the faithful and devotees to be patient and understanding if mass religious gatherings were prohibited by the government due to quarantine restrictions.
“I’d like to make an appeal to our fellow devotees of the Black Nazarene. I hope you all understand our situation. If we allow the 0, 100 per cent there would be mass infection (Covid-19) among millions,” he said.
Monsignor Coronel said that although the Black Nazarene’s activities were cancelled, Jesus would still hear and grant petitions from its devotees.
“I want to remind the faithful that their petitions will still be heard even if they don’t get to touch the image,” he said.
Meanwhile, devotees welcomed the decision.
“We will just pray inside our homes during his feast day. If we have time and if it is not crowded, perhaps we will go to Quiapo shrine to pray. Otherwise, we will just remain at home and light a candle,” one devotee, Jun Bartolome, said.
