MANILA, Philippines — A total of 59,500 devotees flocked to the Quiapo Church for Palm Sunday, the church’s management said on Monday.
“Sa buong araw po, ang estimated na bilang po ng deboto sa Quiapo para sa Palm Sunday ay 59,500,” the Social Communications office of Quiapo Church said in a statement.
(For the entire day, our estimated count of devotees for Palm Sunday was at 59,500.)
The office statement broke down the number of devotees, saying “20,600 sa loob po ng simbahan, 38,900 naman po ang nasa labas ng simbahan.”
(Of the total number of devotees, 20,600 were inside the church, while 38,900 were outside.)
Devotees carrying their “palaspas” — referring to decorative fresh coconut fronds — gathered at the Quiapo Church to attend the first Palm Sunday mass which began at 4:30 a.m. to 12 noon, then another at 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Palm Sunday marked the first day of Holy Week, one of the most important religious events for the Catholics as it is revered as the most sacred week in the liturgical year of Christianity.
Quiapo Church will conduct several activities for the entire Holy Week, like “Pabasa ng Pasyon” or the chanting of devotion of Jesus Christ, “Senakulo” or the staged re-enactment of Christ’s passion and death, the Nazareno motorcade, and the celebration of masses.
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Devotees flock at Quiapo Church for Palm Sunday