Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 6) — Around 100,000 to 200,000 Catholics attended on Friday the simultaneous masses in Quiapo Church, ahead of the commemoration of the transfer of the Black Nazarene on Jan 9, according to a church official.
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During an interview with CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Ngayon, Fr. Earl Allyson Valdez of Quiapo Church reminded Catholics to bring small images of the Black Nazarene no taller than two feet.
“Binibigyan diin natin na ang talagang pokus ng kapistahan ng Itim na Nazareno ay hindi nanatili doon sa imahe lamang subalit binibigyan diin natin yun debosyon ng bawat Pilipino,” said Valdez.
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[Translation: We emphasized that during the feast of the Black Nazarene, we focus not on the image but on the devotions of Filipinos.]
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Outside Quiapo Church, small images of the Black Nazarene were sold from ₱50 to ₱100.
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In a text message, Valdez confirmed to CNN Philippines the number of churchgoers who attended the simultaneous mass, which started at 4 a.m.
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Although simultaneous physical masses will be held on Jan. 9 from 12 midnight to 11 p.m., it will also be livestreamed on Quiapo Church’s Facebook page, Valdez said.
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He added that the traditional “Sungaw” or a brief visit to the Nuestra Señora de Soledad Parish in Binondo, Manila and “Pagdungaw” of the Nuestra Señora del Carmen in San Sebastian Church will push through.
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“Hindi tulad noon ang imahe ng Itim na Nazareno ang dumudungaw sa imahe ng Mahal na Ina, ngayon, it’s [Pagdungaw] more interactive, something more siguro malapit sa deboto dahil ‘yung dudungawan ng imahe ng ating Mahal na Ina ay ang mga debotong naglalakbay at naglalakad,” Valdez said.
[Unlike before where the image of the Black Nazarene gazes at the image of the Blessed Mother, now, the Pagdungaw is more interactive, something closer to the devotees since the Blessed Mother will gaze at the devotees in the procession.]
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The traditional Traslacion was suspended for the third time due to the COVID-19. It was replaced with a “Walk of Faith,” where devotees will hold a procession while carrying small images of the Black Nazarene.
According to Valdez, the Walk of Faith will last about two and a half hours.
RELATED: Black Nazarene image to be on display at Luneta
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In a statement Friday, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said four first aid stations will be available along the procession route.
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