Thousands of devotees try to touch the image of the Black Nazarene. INQUIRER file photo / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
Fr. Douglas Badong of Quiapo Church has expressed hope to return the image of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo after only 12 hours.
“I just hope na kaya ng 12 hours, pero sana mas maikli from last year,” Badong said during a press briefing on Wednesday on the upcoming Traslacion on Tuesday, Jan. 9.
(I just hope that it can be done in 12 hours, but also much shorter than last year.)
In 2017, the procession lasted for about 21 hours that started in Quirino Grandstand, the longest time recorded for the feast.
Badong also said that they would not rush the procession proper for as long as it would sail smoothly and no casualties and injuries would be recorded.
“Regardless kung mahaba o maikli po yung oras, okay lang po,” he said.
(Regardless if the duration is long or short, it’ll be okay.)
“Kung gusto na ng Nazareno na bumalik ng kanyang tahanan, babalik ‘yan nang mas maaga,” Badong added.
(If the Nazareno wants to go back to his home, he will return earlier.)
The image of the Black Nazarene will leave the Quirino Grandstand at about 6 a.m. of January 9. /je