18-hour procession for Black Nazarene

MANILA, Philippines - Devotees have been given two extra days to bond with the Black Nazarene after the religious image was brought to the Quirino Grandstand last Monday.

In the usual “Pahalik” (kissing) of the Black Nazarene, the image is taken to the Grandstand on Jan. 8, or a day before the grand procession.

For this year, however, the image was brought into position two days ahead to allow the thousands of devotees to be with the religious image.

Quiapo Church rector Monsignor Jose Clemente Ignacio said they allowed the Black Nazarene to stay in Luneta longer so that more devotees can have the opportunity to kiss the image.

During the Pahalik, devotees fall in line and wait for their turn to kiss the feet of the Black Nazarene and wipe their handkerchief on it.

Apart from the Pahalik, other traditions during the Feast of the Black Nazarene include devotees walking barefoot, people attending masses and those who go into church on their knees.

Some would be satisfied just making it through the thousands of devotees entering Quiapo Church or seeing the procession. People wait in long queues to touch the Nazareno that they believe to be miraculous and can grant their wishes. Others patiently wait for their turn as a sign of gratitude for requests granted.

Ignacio said this year’s feast would carry the theme “Laykong Deboto ng Panginoong Hesus Nazareno: Tapat na Katiwalang Nagdarasal, Sumusunod at Sumasaksi.”

Tomorrow would be the 409th anniversary of the Black Nazarene. Ignacio added that for this year, they would be reviving an old tradition included in the traditional traslacion – the Dungaw – where the Virgin Mary meets with her son Jesus Christ.

“One new addition to the route of the procession is that it will momentarily stop in front of the San Sebastian Church... When the Black Nazarene passes by, the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary from San Sebastian will look out from the church,” Ignacio said.

Organizers said they are expecting up to 12 million people to join the activities marking the Feast of the Black Nazarene.  â€“ Jose Rodel Clapano, Non Alquitran, Sheila Crisostomo, Rainier Allan Ronda, Edu Punay