LONG QUEUE Devotees line up along Quezon Boulevard on Friday. —LYN RILLON
Only 400 people will be accommodated per Mass for the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene on Saturday, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso announced on Friday.
The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, also known as Quiapo Church, will celebrate a total of 15 Masses starting 4:30 a.m., which will be officiated by Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Domagoso said.
Those unable to enter the church may hear the Mass through the 12 LED screens installed within the vicinity of Quiapo.
Due to the pandemic, the annual traslacion, or procession, participated in by millions of devotees would not push through but would be replaced with these Masses.
The annual “pahalik” or the kissing of the image will be replaced by “pagtanaw” or the mere viewing of the image.
The mayor has also ordered the suspension of classes and work in the city government on Saturday in time for the celebration.
Exempted from the suspension of work are those in the front-line services which include peace and order, public services, traffic enforcement, disaster and risk reduction management, health and sanitation.
Domagoso and National Capital Region Police Office chief Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. have also ordered a liquor ban in the entire city starting 12 midnight of Saturday.
The Manila Police District has already closed down several roads to ensure the safety of those gathering for the Masses at the Quiapo Church.
Closed starting 10 p.m. of Jan. 8 are the following: southbound lane of Quezon Boulevard (Quiapo), from A. Mendoza/Fugoso to Carlos Palanca Street; northbound Lane of Quezon Boulevard from Carlos Palanca Street to Fugoso Street; westbound lane of España Boulevard from P. Campa to A. Mendoza Street; stretch of Evangelista Street from P. Paterno Street to Recto Avenue; and stretch of Palanca Street from Carriedo/Plaza Lacson to P. Casal Street.
Starting midnight of Jan. 9, the following roads are closed: stretch of Ronquillo Street from Rizal Avenue to Plaza Sta. Cruz; and stretch of Bustos Street from Plaza Sta. Cruz to Rizal Avenue.
Domagoso said the streets of Villalobos, Carriedo, Hidalgo and Plaza Miranda were available to the public who were not allowed to enter Quiapo Church due to its maximum capacity.
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