Church officials prepare special raincoat for Black Nazarene

A long line of devotees snakes around Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park as thousands wait for their turn to kiss or touch the foot of the Black Nazarene, hours before the “traslacion” starts on Jan. 9.—MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

The Quiapo Church is not leaving anything to chance in today’s “traslacion” — especially if it rains.

A church official on Monday said that for the first time, they have prepared a special raincoat for the image of the Black Nazarene should the weather refuse to cooperate.

“Rain or shine, the procession will push through … We have a special raincoat made for the Black Nazarene. It’s transparent so that devotees can still see Him,” said Fr. Douglas Badong, parochial vicar of Quiapo Church.

Badong celebrated Mass at Quirino Grandstand on Monday morning for volunteers helping out in the procession. They were allowed to touch the miraculous image before going back to their duties.

Midnight Mass

Another Mass was to be celebrated by parish priest, Fr. Hernando Coronel, at midnight on Monday with Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle delivering the homily.

The traslacion is expected to begin at 5 a.m. today after the morning prayer, with the image of the Black Nazarene to be placed on a carriage or “andas” which will carry it to Quiapo Church.

Every year on Jan. 9, millions of Catholics join the hourslong procession as part of their devotion to thank Him for blessings or ask for favors.

The Department of Health, however, has discouraged pregnant women, elderly people and those with medical conditions from joining the traslacion. It also advised devotees not to bring children to the event.

Environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition, on the other hand, asked participants to avoid throwing garbage on the processional route. —With reports from Tina G. Santos and Jaymee T. Gamil