MANILA Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula yesterday apologized to millions of devotees of the Black Nazarene after the traditional activities usually attended by hundreds of thousands including the ‘traslacacion,’ were called off for the second straight year due to the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) last Tuesday night.
In a statement, Advincula said the Archdiocese of Manila understands the frustration of devotees after the national and local government decided to suspend all activities related to the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila this Sunday.
“We understand the desire of many to go to Quiapo on the feast day of the Black Nazarene,” said Advincula. “We apologize and seek your understanding that because of this pandemic, we cannot push through with the traditional activities during the feast of the Black Nazarene.”
Advincula said they share the concerns of the government on physical activities as it poses the risk of further spreading the virus.
“As your shepherd, we are also gravely concerned over the quick surge in COVID-19 cases in the country, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR),” he said.
“We are one with the government in having concerns that the forthcoming feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo may pave the way for the situation to worsen,” added the Cardinal.
Advincula called on all devotees to continue participating in the occasion by attending virtual masses.
“Albeit online, we call on everybody to join in the celebration of the Holy Mass to be held hourly at the Quiapo Church,” he said. “Though it is frustrating not to be able to visit the Black Nazarene on his feast day, let us, through the use of modern technology, allow Him to visit us instead in our own homes.”
On Tuesday night, the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 announced the suspension of all physical activities related to Traslacion 2022. The NTF also discouraged all devotees from gathering in the vicinity of the Quiapo Church.
Aside from Quiapo Church, Advincula said other parishes under the Manila Archdiocese are also given the authority to implement lockdowns.
According to Circular No. 2022-03, the Manila Archdiocese said parish priests may implement lockdowns in consultation with the parish pastoral council, local government units, health authorities, and other concerned government agencies.
“We entrust the implementation of lockdown of churches to the pastoral prudence and discernment of parish priests, ad casum (case-to-case basis),” said Advincula.
On the other hand, he said all parishes are encouraged to continue and strengthen their online Masses.
“Sacraments and other religious activities are essential for the faithful. Taking into consideration health protocols, they must not be deprived of their spiritual nourishment during these difficult times of fear and despair,” said the Cardinal.
