Archbishop Charles Brown, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, expressed his gratitude to devotees of the Black Nazarene and all those who helped make this year’s activities a success.
“We thank God for the gift of the very successful ‘traslacion’ of the Black Nazarene yesterday,” he said during Mass at Manila’s Quiapo church on Sunday, January 10.
“In behalf of Pope Francis, thank you volunteers who worked so hard yesterday to make sure that in this time of COVID-19 the ‘traslacion’ was done in a safe manner as possible,” said the prelate.
Thousands of people joined the celebration of the annual “traslacion” of the image of the Black Nazarene on Manila on Saturday, January 9, despite strict health restrictions.
The church in Quiapo celebrated 15 Masses during day, with up to 6,000 people attending per Mass inside the church. Thousands more have gathered in the streets to hear celebration.
Large television screens were displayed outside the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene to allow devotees unable to enter the church to view the services.
Mosignor Hernando Coronel, rector of the basilica, said the celebrations were generally orderly.
“We are very happy because the devotees exhibited self-discipline and there was orderliness and a systematic way of entering the church,” said the priest.
Several traditional practices, including the annual religious procession that usually attracts millions of people, were canceled due to the pandemic.
It was the first time for Archbishop Brown to celebrate Mass at the basilica in Quiapo.
In his homily, the papal nuncio asked the faithful to “live our Catholic life to the full, receive the sacraments, and live according to the teachings of Christ.”
Source: Licas Philippines
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