Plaza Miranda overflowing with devotees as Black Nazarene nears church

MANILA, Philippines – There is not a single square feet of free space in Plaza Miranda in front of Quiapo Church as it is now filled with devotees of the Black Nazarene who are patiently waiting for the procession to come home.

Early evening Wednesday, the procession was traversing Arlegui Street.

Police reports estimated the crowd size to hit nine million. At least a million more are in and around the Quiapo church listening to hourly Mass that will wind up at 9 p.m.

Devotees poured into the plaza by the thousands as they wait for the Black Nazarene to be brought back to the church and have a chance to get up close and touch the image.

Earlier in the day, the procession began at the Quirino Grandstand around 8 a.m. It will go on a route around Manila before eventually returning to its home inside the Quiapo church.