THOUSANDS of devout Filipino Catholics flocked to the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, otherwise known as Quiapo Church, in Manila yesterday to hear Mass for the first time in the new year.
Due of the huge number of people present, many opted to stay outside of the church and occupied a portion of Quezon Boulevard and historic Plaza Miranda.
The police reported that they did not monitor any untoward incidents but otherwise advised churchgoers to be mindful of their children and their belongings and warned them from bringing any items that may be considered as harmful weapons.
The Quiapo Church is being readied for January 9, which is the traditional Feast Day of the Black Nazarene, wherein the “Traslacion” or procession will be held again after a three-year hiatus because of the pandemic.
The church already released the route plan for the Traslacion, which is referred to as the “solemn transfer” of the copy of the image from San Nicolás de Tolentino in Intramuros to its current home in Quiapo Church.
Millions of Black Nazarene devotees from around the country are expected to converge along the route that covers the Traslacion.