Nearly 600 devotees participated in the “replica blessing” of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo Church today, January 3, a week before the feast day.
According to RH Boy Gonzales's report, devotees brought their own relics to Plaza Miranda where the blessing took place.
Some lifesize relics were transported in a car, tricycle, or pick-up truck, while small-size relics were hand-carried by devotees.
A mini procession was held thereafter the activity.
WATCH: Umarangkada na ang replica blessing ng Poong Itim na Nazareno sa paligid ng Quiapo Church ngayong araw, January 3.
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) January 3, 2024
Matapos ang pagbabasbas ay magkakaroon ito ng prusisyon sa bisinidad ng simbahan. | via RH 29 Boy Gonzales pic.twitter.com/3H1yUYKjbp
Interviewed by RH Boy Gonzales, Mary Ann, a devotee from Sampaloc, Manila, shared that she had trusted her and her family's lives to the Poong Itim na Nazareno ever since.
"Sinuko ko po sa kaniya yung buhay namin, bahala na siya sa amin pero hindi niya kami pinabayaan noong nag-pandemic. Yung panata namin, nasa puso namin kaya hindi kami pinabayaan ngayon," she said.
Mary Ann's son also said that the Black Nazarene did not abandon them amidst the challenges that life has thrown at them.
"Noong time na walang-wala kami, nag-provide ang Senior at hindi niya kami pinabayaan. At kahit anong problema sa amin o pagsubok, aming nalagpasan. Gano'n katibay yung pananampalataya namin sa kanya," he said.
WATCH: Nakiisa si Nanay Mary Ann sa pagbabasbas at prusisyon ng mga replica ng Poong Itim na Nazareno ngayong Miyerkules, January 3.
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) January 3, 2024
Ayon kay Nanay Mary Ann kasama ang anak, milagroso ang Poon kaya't lagi silang nakikiisa sa taunang Traslacion. | via RH 29 Boy Gonzales pic.twitter.com/4cLFhIY8d7
This year's Traslacion or the annual procession of the Black Nazarene's image will be from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
Quiapo Church Feast of the Black Nazarene Adviser Alex Irasga told DZRH in an interview that devotees are not allowed to climb into the Black Nazarene's andas or carriage to prevent injuries and fatalities from happening again.
On January 6, Quiapo Church will open the Pahalik activity to the public and this will go on until January 8.
