Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged devotees of the Black Nazarene to find a new sense of hope and purpose in the Traslacion as the traditional grand procession resumes on Jan. 9 after a three-year pause because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“By working through our struggles and difficulties, we discover our inner strength and resolve, emerging from the pits of darkness and despair with a renewed sense of hope and purpose,” Marcos said Monday in a statement.
“Beyond the extraordinary expressions of reverence that we see on display during this event, the festivities show us the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ who willingly offered Himself to make us whole once more,” he added.
Marcos declared Jan. 9 a special non-working holiday in Manila for the event.
Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula will preside over the Misa Mayor at midnight on Jan. 9. This will be followed by hourly masses until 11 p.m.
Devotees will hold a procession of the centuries-old image of the Black Nazarene through over three kilometers of a planned route from the Quirino Grandstand in Manila to its home in Quiapo Church.
Authorities said they expect over two million devotees to join the annual Traslacion.
