MANILA, Philippines – Two Catholic websites are livestreaming the Black Nazarene festivities on Monday, Jan 9, 2012, giving chance to devotees who cannot attend to participate virtually.

The official website of Quiapo Church (www.quiapochurch.com), which houses the Black Nazarene icon, and that of Catholic network TV Maria (www.tvmaria.net) will air the Black Nazarene festivities via livestreaming.

Both sites also regularly host the livestreaming of ordinary Quiapo Church Masses.

On the eve of the Black Nazarene feast, President Benigno Aquino III himself said Filipinos should exercise “maximum vigilance and discipline” leading up to and during the Black Nazarene procession due to a supposed terror threat.

Aside from the terror threat that the President bared, another factor that could potentially discourage devotees from physical attending the Black Nazarene festivities is the weather outlook for Metro Manila on that day.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration has warned of the possible occurrence of light rains during the Quiapo feast due to the northern monsoon that will affect Luzon, including Metro Manila, for three days.

The Black Nazarene, an image of the mulatto of Jesus Christ, attracts up to nine million devotees to Quiapo during its annual procession as it is believed to be miraculous. Its devotees supposedly identify with the suffering Black Nazarene. – Rappler.com