Devotees who took part in the Feast of the Black Nazarene’s main event, popularly called the “Traslacion,” were notably less rowdy compared to previous years even if the procession itself proceeded at a snail’s pace, authorities said early Thursday evening.
A church official noted that participants in the religious event, which draws a mammoth crowd annually, were, “Much more behaved. Unlike during the pre-pandemic, they were very aggressive, they were shouting.”
“This is our prayer that every year we expect a change. When it comes to the maturity of devotees, this is a good sign that we are growing in faith,” Quiapo Church spokesperson Fr. Robert Arellano told journalists.
“We see better what is important and what is not,” the priest added.
The procession to bring the Black Nazarene image from the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno along Quezon Boulevard began at 4:41 a.m., it was reported.
Still, some overzealous devotees attempted to climb the “andas” or the wheeled carriage that transported Christ’s image despite repeated pleas from marshals for them to come down.
The added weight on the wagon seemingly slowed the flow of the massive procession.
As a result, it took almost two hours before Christ’s image to reach the Ayala Bridge over the Pasig River.
During the early morning mass held in Luneta Grandstand, the Manila police initially estimated the crowd at more than 830,000 people, which later swelled to around 1.6 million along the procession’s 6 6-kilometer route.
Quiapo church officials placed the crowd that joined the procession from Luneta to the Minor Basilica at around two million.
Earlier on Thursday, Manila Cardinal Jose Advincula urged the millions of Filipino devotees of the Black Nazarene to turn away from evil, greed and vices and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“Let us live up to his commandments, embrace his teachings and follow his example. It is better to follow the Beloved Lord,” he said in a homily ahead of the procession.
Devotees turned the streets of Manila into a sea of maroon and yellow, in a grand display of religious devotion.
Many of the devotees threw white towels at the image as marshals wiped them of its surface, believing that touching the statue would bless them and heal their illnesses.
Thousands of devotees shouted “Viva Nazareno” as the black wooden cross carried by the image of Jesus Christ passed along the every corner of the streets.
The centuries-old tradition of paying homage to the black wooden statue of Jesus Christ, believed to have healing powers, drew massive numbers of Catholics to take part in the procession.
Meanwhile, President Marcos highlighted the enduring devotion associated with the centuries-old tradition, which draws millions of devotees to Manila for the grand procession of the revered image of the Black Nazarene.
“This historic tradition, founded in great devotion, reminds us of the strength that allows us to find harmony in our faith as a people,” Mr. Marcos said in a statement.
“The carrying of the Black Nazarene and His own cross reflects the great sacrifice our Lord and Savior endured, as well as the immense power and compassion of God who walks with us and hears our prayers, especially in our time of need,” he added.
The president lauded the procession as a testament to the unity and camaraderie of the Filipino people, calling on devotees to embody the values of faith, grace, and empathy in their daily lives.
For her part, Vice President Sara Duterte said the calls “devotees to show humility, kindness, and mercy to everyone in need, even to those who persecute us.”
“The Black Nazarene is a manifestation that we will never face the challenges that come our way alone — because God is constantly guiding us, walking with us, and carrying the cross for us on the way to salvation,” she said in a statement.
“Our devotion to the Black Nazarene is a testament to our profound trust in God’s miracles that have become the spring that gives us the strength, courage, and the inspiration to be resilient as we hold fast to our faith and overcome the challenges coming our way,” Duterte added.
As for House Speaker Martin Romualdez, “the celebration is not just a religious ritual but a powerful expression of faith and solidarity.”
“The annual Traslacion reminds us of the importance of faith and unity as a nation. This devotion reflects the strength and courage of our faith,” he said in Filipino.
He also lauded the sacrifices of devotees, many of whom wait an entire year for this occasion, as an inspiring act of gratitude and hope.
“The perseverance and dedication of our devotees remind us of the power of faith in overcoming life’s challenges,” the Speaker said.
