12M Devotees Expected to Flock on Black Nazarene Day

Credits to rodrigorivera.inspirare.blogspot.com

         Organizers of the Feast of the Black Nazarene said that they expect at least 12 million devotees to attend the nine-day novena at the Quiapo Church in Manila that would end on the feast day this January 9.

         Quiapo Church rector Monsignor Clemente Ignacio told CBCP News, the official news service provider of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP),that they expect 12 million devotees to flock to the Black Nazarene from January 1 to January 9. Millions of devotees from all over the country also play a part in the translacion on the feast day of the Nazarene.The translacion is the transfer of the image of the Black Nazarene from the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park to Quiapo Church. Barefoot devotees join the procession as a sign of penance. Joining the procession has also become a vow for many Filipino Catholics who want to express their gratitude for the favors they have received. 

         Last year, at least nine million devotees participated in the nine-hour procession that covered three kilometers from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church, which is formally known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene.