Devotees asked not to mob priests at Black Nazarene rites

MANILA, Philippines—To prevent the expected millions of devotees from “going wild” right at the start of the festivities, the Catholic Church is for the first time tapping priests to move the revered statue of the Black Nazarene before it embarks on its grand procession on Monday, a church official said Saturday.

Monsignor Jose Clemente Ignacio, Quiapo church rector, said they have tasked priests to carry the Black Nazarene from the altar at the Quirino Grandstand to its andas or the float that would be pulled throughout the procession.

“We will ask (the crowd) to wait after the Mass ends. They should not surge forward because our priests are not used to being mobbed,” Ignacio said.

“And we should respect the Mass. That is sacred,” he added.

In previous feasts of the Black Nazarene—one of the most dramatic expressions of popular religious fervor in the Philippines—devotees have been known to mob the statue even before the Mass at the grandstand ends.

“They believe that they have to be first in touching the statue or the rope that would be used to pull it. A part of the crowd becomes aggressive but we are preparing for this. We will secure the stage and priests would carry the image to the carriage,” Ignacio said.

He said the presence of priests have been known to calm the crowds. Around eight million devotees are expected to attend this year’s procession from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church although no one has explained the basis for that estimate.

The procession is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. after Mass but, because of the multitudes who attend, is expected to last for 10 to 12 hours.

“There was a time when I was in the middle of it all and they came surging forward in the middle of the altar and they were going wild and [when somebody shouted] ‘It’s Father! It’s Father!’ they stopped,” Ignacio said.

He said this time popular Quiapo priest Fr. Anton Pascual would remind the faithful to stay in their places as priests carry the image to its float.

“They should stay where they are since they would be allowed to get closer later on. This is the first time that priests would carry the image,” Ignacio said, adding that marshals would also be deployed.

In preparation for the hordes of devotees expected to attend, the Philippine National Red Cross also issued safety reminders for everyone.

“Advise your family. Ensure that your house is properly secured before you leave. All electrical devices must be unplugged,” the Red Cross said in a statement.

“Be physically prepared. Children, elderly, pregnant and persons who are sick should avoid crowded places; thus, they are advised to stay at home and rest,” it added.

The Red Cross said participants should have with them their identification cards, medical information and emergency contact numbers.

“Wear proper clothing. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, and bringing expensive electronic devices. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Bring candies, crackers and bottled water. Drink a lot of fluid to prevent heat exhaustion,” the Red Cross said.

It said devotees should also be aware of their location “at all times,” avoid safety hazards and, if they come in groups, should designate a meeting point in case someone gets lost.

“Maintain proper distance to avoid unnecessary injuries. Plan a safe exit path from the crowd. Know the location and means of access towards the medical stations, police stations and other available authorities within the area,” the Red Cross added.