WHILE the grand procession of the Traslación won’t make a comeback next year, the image of the Black Nazarene will return to the Quirino Grandstand in Manila in 2023.
In an article posted by the Archdiocese of Manila, Fr. Earl Allyson Valdez of the Quiapo Church said organizers have decided to place the image of the black Christ back at the Quirino Grandstand from January 7 to January 9, 2023.
“The image of the Nazareno will be displayed at the Quirino Grandstand from January 7 to January 9, 2023 so that the devotees will have enough time to offer prayers,” said Valdez.
“(We will also) allow the devotees to pay homage to Nuestro Padre Hesus Nazareno instead of kissing the image,” he added.
Valdez said like in the pre-pandemic period, by midnight of January 9, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula will celebrate the Fiesta Mass at the Quirino Grandstand.
Valdez, however, said there will still be no grand procession of the Black Nazarene due to safety precautions.
“After thorough assessment and consultation, we have decided not to push through with the procession since it is a potential health threat,” said Valdez.
Instead, he said they are preparing for the localized Traslacion, wherein the image of the Black Nazarene will visit various churches in Luzon and the National Capital Region.
“We are currently adjusting the schedule and places that the image of the Black Nazarene will visit,” said Valdez.
In the past, the image of the Black Nazarene had been placed at the Quirino Grandstand for several days prior to the January 9 feast day, the event capped by the midnight Fiesta Mass.
The coronavirus disease pandemic forced Quiapo Church officials to suspend all fiesta-related physical activities for 2021 and 2022.
