THOUSANDS of devotees of Jesus Nazareno continue to march the streets showing their faith and devotion as they join the Traslacion or the procession of the centuries-old image of Jesus Nazareno on Thursday, January 9.
The procession, which is part of the annual celebration of the Fest of Jesus Nazareno, began at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. The andas or the wheeled carriage bearing the Jesus Nazareno image started moving at 4:41 a.m.
This year’s Traslacion follows the same route as last year’s procession and will end at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno or the Quiapo Church.
‘Pahalik’ recap
Before the procession, the traditional “Pahalik” or kissing of the Jesus Nazareno image was held at the Quirino Grandstand, which began on Tuesday, January 7.
While the practice is called “Pahalik,” Catholic devotees were advised to touch or wipe the image with their towels or handkerchiefs instead of kissing for hygiene purposes and to prevent the spread of diseases such as coughs and colds.
Several devotees continued to line up at the Quirino Grandstand for the “Pahalik,” even though the procession already started.
In an interview with Unang Balita, Manila Police District (MPD) Director Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay said that the Jesus Nazareno image at the Traslacion is different from the one left at the Quirino Grandstand for the “Pahalik.”
Long lines were observed on January 8, the second day of the “Pahalik,” that reached Katigbak Parkway in the afternoon. The Nazareno Operations Center recorded over 22,000 devotees participating in the “Pahalik” on Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, the Republicasia team met some young volunteers who shared stories about their faith and devotion to Jesus Nazareno during the “Pahalik.” Their prayers? Good health and safety for everyone.
Misa Mayor
At Thursday midnight, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula presided over the Misa Mayor at the Quirino Grandstand, urging the devotees to obey God.
“Siya ang sundin natin. Ang mga utos niya ang isabuhay natin. Ang mga aral niya ang isa puso natin. Ang halimbawa niya ang tularan natin,” he said during his homily.
He continued, “Pag-asa kay Hesus at pagsunod kay Hesus; ito ang mga tanda ng tunay na deboto. Ipangako natin ito kay Hesus. Siya lamang ang maaasahan natin, siya ang laging nating sundin.”
The Manila Public Information Office (PIO) reported that over 140,000 devotees attended the Misa Mayor.
The mass ended with a fireworks display as the devotees sang the hymn for Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno and waved their towels.
Traslacion continues
Some devotees were seen trying to climb the andas as it was being maneuvered at the Ayala Bridge.
Like in the Traslacion 2024, the image of Jesus Nazareno is still enclosed in a glass case, but this time, with a sunroof made of tempered glass so that spectators from buildings can see the image.
A part of the cross is still exposed, which several devotees hang onto during the procession.
Meanwhile, other devotees flock to the Quiapo Church to attend one of the 33 hourly fiesta masses.
Citing the Multi-Agency Coordination Center, the Manila PIO said the crowd estimate at the Quaipo Church reached 170,000 as of 11 a.m.
