Authorities estimated the number of devotees to be more than two million during Thursday’s traditional “Traslacion” of the Black Nazarene from the Luneta Grandstand into its cradle and home, the historic Quiapo, Church, in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
The sea of humanity participating in the “Traslacion” is a constant site every year in Manila.
As early as three days before the Traslacion, devotees started pouring in and formed kilometric lines at Quirino Grandstand during “Pahalik” of the foot of Jesus Christ carrying his Cross.
The Traslacion procession has become an emblem of passion, struggle, and faith for Filipino Catholics.
The life-size statue of Jesus is enshrined in the famous minor basilica popularly known as the Quiapo Church, located in the Archdiocese of Manila. The statue has survived the blazing fires that destroyed the church twice, two earthquakes, the floods of numerous typhoons and bombings during World War II.
The church which hosts the statue never sleeps. It welcomes devotees early in the morning till late evening. During the day, it holds continuous Masses and Healing Services. During the night, the church shelters poor homeless people. In the early morning, the church is cleaned and again reaches out to the pilgrims and devotees.
Every year on Jan. 9, the annual feast day, millions of devotees gather to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene. They take part in the spectacular religious procession known locally as the “Traslacion,” during which devotees carry a replica of the statue across Manila.
Up to 18 million participants take part in the annual procession and the festivities that surround it. (Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene/BENJIE CUARESMA/JGo/CurrentPH.com)
