Catholic devotees paraded replicas of the Black Nazarene as priests conducted a blessing outside the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo, Manila, on Saturday, Jan. 3, an event that forms part of the religious activities leading up to the Traslacion.
The annual grand procession of the Jesus Nazarene, held every January 9, draws millions of devotees from across the country.
Clutching life-sized and miniature images of the Jesus Nazarene, devotees lined nearby streets and church grounds as clergy led the rite, sprinkling holy water and offering prayers of thanksgiving and petition.
Church officials said around 2,000 replicas of the Jesus Nazarene were brought and blessed during Saturday’s ceremony.
Security and crowd-control measures were in place during the activity, with church marshals and police personnel deployed around the basilica to ensure the safety of worshippers, as the number of pilgrims continues to increase ahead of the feast day.
The blessing concluded peacefully, with Quiapo Church officials reminding devotees to observe discipline, follow safety guidelines, and participate in the Traslacion with reverence and prayer.
Devotees believe the ritual strengthens their faith and serves as a form of preparation for the upcoming procession. (Diann Calucin)
