Metro Manila, Philippines – As a sea of devotees fills the streets in the heart of Manila for the annual Traslacion, prayers for healing, safety and national renewal resound on the route of the centuries-old procession honoring the Jesus Nazarene icon.
The Traslacion, a spectacle of faith every Jan. 9, is the transfer of the life-sized black image from Intramuros to its home Quiapo Church since 1787. The devotion draws millions of barefoot devotees each year and is considered one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
On the route near San Sebastian Basilica, groups of male devotees gathered for the “Dungaw” — a solemn moment during the Traslacion when the image is briefly displayed, allowing devotees to pray and reflect.
Among them were 10-year-old Amir and 36-year-old Benjo. Amir said he prayed for healing and safety as he joined the feast for the third year with his father.
“Gumaling sana lahat ng may sakit, at wala pang madisgrasya ngayong araw,” the boy said.
[Translation: I pray that all who are sick may be healed and that no one meets an accident today.]
Benjo, a group leader, said their participation is rooted in faith and tradition they hope to pass on to younger generations.
“Minumulat namin sila sa pamamanata sa debosyon para makalakihan nila,” he said, adding that his devotion began after his prayers were answered through the Nazarene
[Translation: We introduce them early to the devotion and the vow so they can grow up with it.]
On the sidewalks near San Sebastian, Rachel Bolivar waited patiently with her two children, sitting on cardboard boxes as they watched the procession.
“Taon-taon namamanata kami, pero dahil ngayon kasama namin ang mga bata, dito muna kami sa safe,” she told NewsWatch Plus.
[Translation: We make a vow every year, but since the children are with us now, we’re staying in a safer area]
Others came with prayers of gratitude.
Ethan Constantino said his devotion stems from peace of mind and good health for his family.
“Puno lang po talaga ng pasasalamat ang puso ko,” he said.
[Translation: My heart is simply full of gratitude.]
Asked if he had prayers beyond personal needs, Ethan said he had the country in mind.
“Ang daming naghihirap. Sana yung korapsyon at mga nagnanakaw sa bayan masolusyunan na,” he said.
[Translation: So many people are suffering. I hope corruption and those who steal from the nation will finally be addressed.]
Similar hopes were echoed by Miles, who prayed with friends for justice, in addition to health and financial stability.
“Sana po mabigyang hustisya ang mga tao,” she said.
[Translation: I hope the people are given the justice they deserve.]
Inside Quiapo Church, 73-year-old Lucia attended Mass and offered prayers for her brother, who is battling pancreatic cancer.
“Severe na po ang kondisyon niya,” she said. “Ang dasal ko lang po ay isang himala.”
[Translation: His condition is already severe. I am praying for a miracle].”
The devotion to the Jesus Nazarene dates back to the 17th century, when the darkened wooden image arrived in the Philippines aboard a Spanish galleon from Mexico. Faith in miracles spanned generations, particularly among the poor and marginalized, making the Traslacion a powerful expression of Filipino Catholicism.
Beyond the annual “panata” or vow, church leaders reminded devotees that beyond personal petitions and aspirations, the feast calls on the devotees to reflect on Christ’s suffering, humility, and love.
