Some Nazarene devotees opt to skip Traslacion to avoid crowds

This year’s Traslacion of the Black Nazarene will mark the icon’s procession since being suspended three consecutive years due to COVID-19 pandemid.

MANILA, Philippines — On Monday, the eve of the Traslacion of the Black Nazarene, some devotees chose to participate in the earlier Quiapo Church activities, such as the “Pahalik” with the replica of the icon at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, to avoid the anticipated large crowds on procession day

Among them was Ninita Jayubo, a senior citizen who has been a devotee of the Black Nazarene for 10 years.

According to Jayubo, she came all the way from the province of Cavite, and she has consistently joined the previous Traslacions. But this time she chose not to join the procession as she was feeling unwell.

“I am sick so I jut wanted to be here now to avoid many people tomorrow. However, all my children will be here tomorrow,” Jayubo told INQUIRER.net in Filipino.

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Asked why she became a devotee of the Black Nazarene, Jayubo said: “I’ve been through many trials in my life. We’ve always been poor. Since starting my devotion [to the Black Nazarene] along with my children, my wish to be able to work and to travel has come true.

“That’s how miraculous the Nazarene is. It grants you what you wish. All you need is faith that come from heart. Until now, we continue our devotion, and by God’s mercy, we are given a prosperous life.”

Despite going early to avoid the crowds, Jayubo said that she would still try to wait for the Traslacion to finish in the morning.

“Even if I couldn’t join the procession, at least I came here. I fulfilled my promise to Him,” Jayubo said.

Another senior, Anna Quintana,  said she was not exactly a devotee, but she tried to consistently attend Masses every Sunday at  Quiapo Church and on the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

“I used to go to Luneta with my youngest child, but this time, I went in advance to enter Quiapo Church and avoid getting caught up in the crowd,” Quintana said.

She narrated that her consistent attendance in Quiapo Church masses and Nazareno festivities helped deepen her relationship with God, even claiming that everything she had ever wished for was provided by God.

“There’s nothing that I had asked for that was not granted,” she said.

Meanwhile, Keane, who came from Bulacan, was attending the Traslacion for the first time.

Recounting his experience, he said: “I had goosebumps because of the aura inside [the church], especially when they shout ‘Nazareno’ kasi. You can really feel the sermon. It really different here in Quiapo. It feels better when you pray.”

The Pahalik in Quiapo Church marked his first time touching the Black Nazarene. Despite being a replica, Keane expressed feeling a different sensation, conveying his wish for a prosperous life for his son.

The original image of the Black Nazarene is currently at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park and will be paraded back to Quiapo Church through the Traslacion procession at 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday.

This year’s Traslacion will mark the first Black Nazarene procession since being suspended three consecutive times due to COVID-19 restrictions.