IN lieu of the grand procession of the Traslación, officials of the Quiapo Church are set to introduce the “Walk of Faith” on January 8, the eve of the feast of the Black Nazarene.
In a radio interview, Quiapo Church Attached Priest Fr. Earl Allyson Valdez yesterday said they are holding the “Walk of Faith” in the early hours of January 8 from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church.
“Even if there is no traditional procession, we will add to our schedule the ‘Walk of Faith’ on January 8,” said Valdez.
“This Walk of Faith (will be) done in order for us to gradually return to the practice of having a procession in honor of the Black Nazarene,” he added.
Based on initial plans, he said the activity will be kicked off by a midnight Mass on January 8 at the Quirino Grandstand, where the image of the Black Nazarene will be stationed from January 7 to 9.
Valdez said the route of the activity, which will not include the image of the black Christ, is still being finalized.
“We will not process the image of the Black Nazarene. The presence of the image may cause commotion and disorganization,” he noted.
Those looking to join the activity, according to Valdez, are encouraged to bring candles, rosaries, and small images of the Black Nazarene.
He said they will also strictly implement the wearing of face masks and other health and safety protocols.
“What we can ensure is that this will be orderly and organized blessed procession with physical distancing,” said Valdez.
The Quiapo Church had earlier announced it will not revive the grand procession of the Black Nazarene in its annual January 9 feast next year.
This means the grand procession, which is being attended by a sea of red and yellow clad devotees, will not be held for the third straight year.
However, the feast day activities next year will see the return of other physical activities such as the holding of 34 face-to-face Masses at the Quiapo Church bridging January 8 and 9, as well as the Fiesta Mass at the Quirino Grandstand to be led by Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula.
The image of the black Christ will also make a comeback to the Quirino Grandstand to allow more devotees to pray and pay homage.
