President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. called for a “safe, meaningful and solemn” celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Monday.
Marcos issued the statement amid the resumption of the celebration of the onsite events, which have drawn thousands of devotees this year.
Officials of the Quiapo Church decided to suspend such activities in 2020 after the onset of the pandemic.
This year, the organizers decided to replace the traditional Traslacion, wherein the iconic image of the Black Nazarene is transferred from the Rizal Park to the Quiapo Church, with a Walk of Faith.
As of 6 pm last Sunday, over 191,500 people visited the Quiapo Church and around 51,600 joined the activities at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
More devotees are expected to visit Quiapo Church in Manila on Monday for the hourly mass for the Black Nazarene.
In anticipation of the large crowds, Marcos declared Jan. 9, 2023 as a special non-working holiday in Manila.
Marcos said he hopes the commemoration of the Black Nazarene will allow Filipino overcome the numerous challenges they now face.
“It is through our faith that we can conquer the storms that loom ahead of us and bring forth a life filled with grace and steadfastness,” Marcos said.
“May the image of Jesus Christ inspire us to center our existence around love, hope, and compassion as we open up ourselves to others and the world during these extraordinary times,” he added.
Image credits: Roy Domingo
