Luneta rites to replace Nazarene ‘traslacion’

Devotees of the Black Nazarene gather at the Quirino Grandstand for the “pahalik.” –MARIANNE BERMUDEZ/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Although the annual procession, or “traslacion,” remains suspended, the image of the Black Nazarene will be displayed at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila from Jan. 7 to 9 next year to accommodate its millions of devotees, church officials said.

Fr. Earl Allyson Valdez, one of the Quiapo Church clergy overseeing the annual feast of the Black Nazarene every Jan. 9, said devotees will have enough time to offer their penitence but will be prohibited from kissing the widely beloved religious icon.

Valdez encouraged devotees to attend the novena masses from Jan. 7 to Jan. 9 at the Quirino Grandstand to avoid crowding during the actual feast day.

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula will preside over the mass celebration at the Quirino Grandstand at midnight of Jan. 9.

Quiapo Church officials have decided to postpone the annual traslacion for the third time citing health risks since the state of public health emergency over the COVID-19 pandemic has not been lifted.

Instead, Quiapo Church officials coordinated visits of the image of the Black Nazarene to various churches in Metro Manila and Luzon for smaller processions and masses.

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