ASIDE from the Black Nazarene, its replicas standing more than two feet will not be allowed in the planned “Walk of Faith” on January 8 next year.
In a media briefing, Feast of the Black Nazarene 2023 adviser Alex Irasga said they will strictly prohibit devotees from bringing replicas that will take more than one person to carry.
“You can bring images that can be handled by one person. We will not prevent that,” said Irasga. “But for those more than two feet, which cannot be carried by a single person, that we will not allow anymore.”
He added they are asking groups of devotees looking to bring banners, carriages, and other similar equipment for the event to forego such plans.
“We are appealing to them, don’t bring along their banners and the likes to the procession,” Irasga said, adding they are coordinating with police for the strict implementation of the policy.
“There will be checkpoints around the Quirino Grandstand and Quiapo areas. All who shall attempt to bring these images will be disallowed,” said Irasga.
The Quiapo Church leadership had earlier announced that it will still not hold the grand procession of the Black Nazarene on January 9, 2023.
Instead, organizers have opted to introduce the “Walk of Faith,” a procession without the image of the black Christ.
The “Walk of Faith” is set on the wee hours of January 8 from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
It will be preceded by a 1 a.m. Mass at the Quirino Grandstand, with the procession estimated to start around 2 a.m.
The procession is projected to conclude around 4 a.m. at the Quiapo Church, where another mass will be held.
Irasga said those planning to join the procession are encouraged to bring handkerchiefs, candles, face masks, and disinfectants.
“Our goal here is to have a procession that is orderly, peaceful, and with (a) high degree of holiness so that we can strengthen the devotion to the Black Nazarene,” he said.
