Hourly masses in Quiapo start today

What to expect during the feast day? Here’s the list of activities, including dos and don’ts

A TOTAL of 24 masses will be offered today, January 9, for the Feast of the Black Nazarene, Quiapo officials said.

According to Nazareno 2023 adviser Alex Irasga, from 12 midnight of Sunday to 11 p.m. on the feast day, an hourly mass will be celebrated at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or the Quiapo Church.

Since the 12-midnight mass started, a total of 66,500 devotees have flocked to the Quiapo Church as of 6:00 a.m., while 20,900 faithful joined the 7:00 a.m. Eucharistic Celebration as per the latest tally from the Quiapo Church Command Post Monday.

At 10 a.m., Quiapo Church will have a side event as part of the Nazareno 2023 activities to be presided over by Fr. Hans Magdurulang and Dra.Gaines Rosario.

Prior to the feast day, Quiapo officials reminded the public to wear face masks, bring their sanitizers and alcohol, and identification cards in case of an emergency since they are expecting an influx of thousands and thousands of  devotees participating in the celebration.

People who are sick are strongly discouraged from participating in the activities: people with a body temperature higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius and blood pressure higher than 130/80, and people with a sore throat, coughs, colds, and loose bowel movements. 

The following are among the dos and don’ts of the celebration:

DOs

Quiapo Church has allowed the public to bring the following during the celebration:

• Water canister, sandwiches, and other snacks
• Cellphones, registered VHF radio
• Single-hand-carried images that are two feet and below, rosaries, and other small religious relics.
• Transparent raincoat/poncho
• Shoes and slippers
• Small cameras
• Wheelchair (for PWD devotees)
• Single-seat, light portable chair
• Small flashlight
• Portable/small candles and matchboxes
• Waist bag (subject to inspection)
• Clear plastic garbage bag

DON’Ts

The following are not allowed to be brought into any of the areas dedicated to the celebration:

• Medium-size to life-size Nazareno images
• Istandarte/banners
• Carriage or andas
• Firearms and deadly weapons
• Pyrotechnic devices
• Drone camera
• Professional camera and video recorder
• Selfie Sticks
• Large Bags
• Blankets, hampers, storage boxes
• Portable appliances
• LPG and stoves
• Tents, tables, and other picnic items
• Umbrella
• Alcoholic beverages
• Smoking vaping
• Laser pointers
• Large chains, spikes, and other big metal objects
• Scooters, skateboards, skates
• Vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles (unless you are authorized)
• Heavy metals
• Plastic and glass bottles
• Food sticks
• Pets
• Black plastics
• Jackets

Some religious activities, including the Pagpupugay, will run until January 10 to allow a larger volume of devotees to pay their respect to the image of the Black Nazarene.

Quiapo Officials have yet to release a statement if the Pagpupugay will be extended if there are still thousands of devotees lining up for the activity.

A walk of faith procession was held instead of the customary Traslacion to prevent devotees from getting COVID-19 during the activity.

Over 88,000 faithful joined the procession despite the absence of the image in the activity.

Banner Photo: Jericho Zafra