Over 15,000 devotees of the Black Nazarene converged upon Quiapo Church from Saturday night until the early hours of Sunday morning, marking the commencement of the Feast of the Black Nazarene 2024 with a solemn “walk of thanksgiving.”
Bro. Rumel Eijansatos, Chief of Quiapo Church’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) unit, reported that the two-hour procession commenced at 11:45 p.m. on Saturday. Prior to the march, a communal rosary prayer united the faithful in spiritual preparation for the significant event.
The revered image of Hesus Poong Nazareno, carried on the Andas, officially entered the church’s patio at 1:45 a.m. on Sunday. Despite the massive turnout, only eight minor medical cases were reported, ensuring the overall safety and well-being of the participants.
Fr. Hans Magdurulang emphasized the need for continued vigilance and adherence to safety measures. He urged the devotees to maintain the sanctity, order, and safety of the activities even in the midst of their excitement.
“We should just do what we have been doing for the past years. But of course, we have to be more careful and follow the rules even if we’re all excited. Let’s not forget three things — to keep the activities holy, proper and safe,” said Fr. Magdurulang during his address on Sunday.
The organizers, Hijos del Nazareno, have previously released the schedule of activities leading up to the culmination of the Feast on January 9, highlighted by the Traslacion:
- Barangay Visitation (Quiapo community): January 1 and 6
- Replica Blessing and Procession: January 3 and 4, 1:30 p.m.
- First Friday Masses: January 5, 2024, from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Mass for Volunteers and Start of Pahalik: January 6, 2024, at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.
- Continuation of Pahalik and Visperas Masses: January 8, from 5 a.m. to noon, Fiesta Masses from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Panalangin sa Takipmsilim at 5:30 p.m., vigil, and program at 6 p.m.
- Feast of Black Nazarene: January 9, with Misa Mayor at midnight and a vigil leading up to the grand celebration.
As devotees continue their spiritual journey, the Feast of the Black Nazarene 2024 promises to be a deeply meaningful and transformative experience for all participants.
Carlo Juancho FuntanillaFrontend Developer, WordPress, Shopify
Contributing Editor
AMA ACLC San Pablo
