SEVEN to eight million devotees are expected to join the procession of the Black Nazaarene on Jan. 9, the country’s biggest, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said on Sunday.
The group called on the Black Nazarene’s devotees to live out the true meaning of what it means to be devoted: prayer, sacrifice, penance and self-giving.
“2017 is the Year of the Parish and every community should emulate Christ’s way, and that is to be true and forgiving,” the CBCP said.
The CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs said sacrifice, penance and self-giving are some of the things that mark the true follower of the Black Nazarene.
The image, which is considered miraculous by Filipino Catholics is brought out in a procession lasts up to 15 hours and is borne in a carriage pulled traditionally by male devotees.
The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene is now coordinating with the local government agencies in Manila to ensure an orderly and safe celebration of the Feast of Black Nazarene.
Leading up to the Jan. 9 celebration, a procession of Black Nazarene replicas from the Quiapo Church will take place on Jan. 7 at 2 p.m.
A vigil will be conducted at the Quirino Grandstand on Sunday from 5 p.m. On Monday, Jan. 9, a Mass will be held at the Quirino Grandstand at 12 a.m.
The image of the Black Nazarene will then be brought back to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 10.