Image of Black Nazarene to visit devotees – church official

BY CHRISTINA I. HERMOSO

The image of the Black Nazarene will be placed in several areas in the Archdiocese of Manila and in neighboring dioceses on January 9 to avoid mass gatherings, a Quiapo Church official said.

“Do not come to the Quiapo Church on January 9. This year, because of the pandemic, we will bring the Black Nazarene to you,” said Rev. Fr. Danichi Hui, parochial vicar of Quiapo Church.

In an effort to still celebrate the feast of the Traslacion of the Black Nazarene, the Quiapo Church has decided to localize the observance of the anticipated event by bringing the image to several areas.

“We will bring the image of the Black Nazarene to different areas and in some provinces where they can celebrate novena masses and a fiesta mass. They can also hold a motorcade. Through this, we will spread out the celebration so devotees need not go to the Quiapo Church,” added Hui.

The following are the areas to be visited by the image of the Black Nazarene: Dec. 31 – Hospicio de San Jose, Jan. 1 – San Lazaro Hospital, Jan. 2 – Manila Cathedral, Jan. 3 – Greenbelt Chapel, Jan. 4 – Manila City Hall, Jan. 4 – San Roque Parish (Cavite City), Jan. 5 – Bureau of Fire Prevention – Q.C., Jan. 5 – San Isidro Parish (Las Pinas), Jan. 6 – Manila Police District, Jan. 6 – Sto. Nino Parish (Signal, Taguig), Jan. 7 – Brgy. 394, Jan. 7 – Sto. Domingo Shrine (Quezon City), and Jan. 7 – Baclaran Church.

The pilgrim image will also visit the following parish churches: Dec. 30-31 – Antipolo Cathedral, Jan. 2 – Shrine of Padre Pio, Jan. 3 – San Vicente Ferrer Parish (Binan), Jan. 3 – Our Lady of Manaoag (Pangasinan), Jan. 4 – San Jose Cathedral (Nueva Ecija), Jan. 5 – Mother of Perpetual Help (Cabanatuan), and Jan. 6 – Cathedral of San Fernando (Pampanga).

The traditional “Pahalik” or the kissing of the image will be replaced with the “pagtanaw” or the viewing of the image.

Quiapo Church has also installed LED screens so that devotees can watch and participate in the mass.

On-going is the nine-day novena masses that began last December 31 and will end on January 8.

Manila Archdiocese Apostolic Administrator Broderick S. Pabillo will celebrate the Holy Eucharist on the feast day on Jan. 9, at 4 a.m.

Fr. Danichi Hui reminded devotees to observe and follow the safety measures when going to the Quiapo Church or to just join the holy masses online through Facebook, YouTube or Twitter. (Christina I. Hermoso)