The Nazareno 2023 will replace the annual Traslacion for the Feast of the Black Nazarene with the “Walk of faith” due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The “Walk of Faith” will start at the Quirino Grandstand on January 8, after midnight Mass to be led by Fr. Rufino Sescon, Rector of Quiapo Church and will end in Quiapo Church. It is estimated to last for two to three hours.
It will hold the same route as the Traslacion but without the image or replica of the Black Nazarene. Istandartes and banners are not allowed during the procession. However, during the press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 3, Quiapo officials said that devotees may bring a small sized image of the Black Nazarene.
According to Fr. Earl Valdez, Parochial Vicar of Quiapo Church, the “Walk of Faith” will further deepen the faith and devotion of the people to the Nazareno.
“Different date and the focus is on the devotion, not the image dahil wala ‘yung imahen ng Poong Nazareno. We are expecting na marami pa ring deboto ang sasama sa Walk of Faith, lalong lalo na ‘yung may kagustuhan talagang magprusisyon para sa ating Poon,” Fr. Valdez told Radio Veritas.
Here is the route of the Walk of Faith procession:
– Grandstand / Parade Grounds
– Katigbak Road
– Padre Burgos Street
– Jones Bridge
– Dasmariñas Street
– Sta. Cruz
– Palanca Street
– Quezon Blvd.
– Arlegui Street
– P. Casal Street
– Concepcion Street
– Carcer Street
– Hidalgo Street
– Bilibid Viejo/ G. Puyat Street
– Guzman Street
– Hidalgo Street
– Quezon Blvd.
– Palanca Street
– Villalobos Street
– Quiapo Church
Quiapo church also announced during the press conference some of the things that are prohibited during the Nazareno 2023 activities. Here is the list:
– Medium to life-size Nazareno images,
– Istandarte or banners, carriage or andas
– Firearms and deadly weapons
– Pyrotechnic devices, drone cameras, professional cameras and video recorders
– Selfie sticks
– Large bags, blankets, hampers, storage boxes
– Portable appliances, LPG and stoves,
– Tents, tables, and other picnic items, umbrellas,
– Alcoholic beverages, smoking and vaping, laser pointers, large chains, spikes, and other big metal objects
– Scooters, skateboards, skates, vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles
– Heavy meals,
– Plastic and glass bottles, food sticks
– Pets
– Black plastics
– Jackets.
This is the third year that Quiapo Church cancels the yearly Traslacion in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
During the Nazareno 2023 activities, devotees are advised to observe physical distancing, wear facemasks and use alcohol. (Jheng Prado/RCAM-AOC)
