MANILA, Philippines – For some of the devotees of the Black Nazarene, the annual procession is a fitting prelude to Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines next week.
For 23-year-old Robert Cabuz, the religious gathering – the country’s biggest – will show the Pope the devotion of the local Catholic faithful.
“It’s fitting that the Feast of the Black Nazarene came before Pope Francis’ visit. This will show the Pope that Filipinos are united,” Cabuz said.
The Feast of the Black Nazarene comes a week before the Argentine pontiff reaches the Philippines.
Manila City officials earlier said the “Traslacion,” or the transfer of the 17th century ebony image of Jesus Christ across the city, will serve as the dry run for security preparations and crowd control measures for the papal visit.
Over 3,500 policemen were deployed in critical areas, as over 12 million people are expected to join the Nazarene procession. (READ: Millions flock to Manila for Nazarene procession)
The number of police personnel this year is about 10% higher than the number of police deployed last year, according to Police Superintendent Robert Domingo, station commander of Manila Police District Station 11.
Domingo added that the security preparations employed for the Nazarene procession will be similar to security procedures for the Pope’s visit.
Despite the expected tight security during the papal visit, 54-year-old Nila Martus plans to line up early for Francis’ Mass at the Rizal Park on January 18.
From her hometown in Bulacan, Martus traveled Thursday evening for Manila to attend the two religious events.
While her 3 sons have been attending the annual Black Nazarene procession for 17 years, this is Martus’ first time to see the image, believed by many devotees to be miraculous.
Asked why she decided to make the trip from Bulacan to Manila this year, Martus said this year’s event was special because of the Pope’s upcoming visit.
“I have a personal wish for the Nazareno, and I also want to see Pope Francis in person,” she said.
She added, “Gusto namin magkaroon ng blessing (We want to be blessed by the Pope).” – Rappler.com
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