Devotees raise their hands in praise as the procession of the Black Nazarene last January 09, 2017 passes through Padre Burgos Street in Manila. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ)
Security officials of Quiapo Church are anticipating an increase of around five percent in the total number of devotees that would participate in this year’s week-long celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene from December 31 to January 9.
Citing data from the Quiapo Church, Supt. Lucile Faycho, of the Manila Police District, said a total of 18 million devotees participated in last year’s procession, and they see a “significant increase” in the number of devotees-participants every year.
“Based on the estimates dito po sa simbahan, there was a significant increase yearly,” Faycho said during the press conference on Wednesday.
“So ito po, ineexpect nila na mag-i-increase siya ng five percent this year,” she added.
The week-long celebration started in a Thanksgiving procession that happened last December 31. Novena masses in Quiapo Church would then take place until its culmination on January 9, when the traslacion would be conducted. /kga