The Black Nazarene’s procession from Quirino Grandstand to its shrine in Quiapo, Manila, has officially begun at 5:54 a.m. Saturday.
The pulling of the “andas” or the carriage bearing the image began immediately after the singing of “Ama Namin” (Our Lord’s Prayer).
The pulling of the andas was briefly stopped after organizers saw that the devotees were pulling in the wrong direction.
The choir was halted and silence was requested for the giving of instructions.
“Itaas ang lubid! Ipakita ang lubid,” chanted the organizers.
(Raise the rope. Show the rope.)
Devotees try to touch the life-sized Black Nazarene statue during the annual religious procession in honour of the Black Nazarene in Manila on January 9, 2016. Barefoot men and women in search of miracles hurled themselves above huge crowds in the Philippines on January 9 to touch a centuries-old icon of Jesus Christ as one of the world’s largest Catholic festivals got under way. AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE / AFP / TED ALJIBE
The andas finally moved when a “veteran” devotee took over the microphone to give instructions.
“Otso ang lubid! Huwag muna ibalikat,” he shouted at the top of his lungs.
Loved by millions of its devotees from all walks of life, the 17th century image of Jesus Christ never ceased to bear its cross.
Today on its annual feast, the image of Jesus Christ, which is said to be miraculous, once again embarked on its journey not to Crucifixion but to its permanent home in the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila.
The annual procession of the Black Nazarene or popularly known as traslacion attracts millions of devotees from every part of the predominantly Catholic country.
The traslacion commemorates the first parade transferring the image from a church in Intramuros to Minor Basilica in Quiapo on January 9, 1767.
The Philippine Red Cross expects a 15-million turn out this year. TVJ
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