Black Nazarene feast a ‘dry run’ for Pope’s visit

David Lozada

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Black Nazarene feast a ‘dry run’ for Pope’s visit
Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada mobilizes 'all our departments' for the Feast of the Black Nazarene, and imposes a liquor ban until the papal visit
MANILA, Philippines – The Feast of the Black Nazarene on Friday, January 9, will serve as the city of Manila’s dry run for security and crowd control during the papal visit, local government and church officials said.

“During the festivities, we will be able to test all our capabilities and security plans. This is a good preparation for Pope Francis’ visit. We can evaluate and improve our lapses,” Johnny Yu, Manila’s disaster management chief, told Rappler on Monday, January 5.

Yu added that the city’s disaster office will use all its resources during the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Scheduled a week before Pope Francis’ trip to the Philippines, the “Traslacion” or the transfer of the Black Nazarene, a 17th-century mulatto image of Jesus Christ, is the country’s biggest annual religious gathering. During the event, millions of devotees join a procession where the black icon is paraded across the city. (READ: Nazareno: Does it make the Pinoy a better neighbor?)

Local officials estimate that around 12 million people will participate in the festivities this year.

The city government tapped the help of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the army to make the festivities as orderly and peaceful as possible.

“Thousands of people from all over the country come to Manila every year to participate in the procession… Public safety and convenience remain top priority,” Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said.

Estrada earlier announced the suspension of classes in all levels and work in government offices in the city. The local government also advised universities and private offices to suspend work to make way for the festivities.

Liquor will also be banned across the city. 

“During the bar exams in UST, I banned liquor all over the city. I will do the same from the Nazareno procession until the papal visit,” Estrada said.

He added: “All our departments are mobilized, even our teachers. We are prepared.” 

Traslacion 2015 program

CHURCH AND STATE. Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and Msgr Clemente Ignacio exchange views during the media conference of the Feast of Black Nazarene 2015. Traslacion 2015 will start on January 9, 2015 at the Quirino Grandstand. Photo by Jansen Romero/Rappler

The festivities will begin the night before January 9. An overnight vigil will be held from 6 pm to 6 am in Quirino Grandstand. Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle will lead the Mass.

During the vigil, the original icon will be available for “pahalik” – where devotees line up to kiss and touch the image. The Black Nazarene is considered by many Filipinos as miraculous, with the ability to heal diseases and bring success.

A liturgical service will be held in the grandstand before the procession begins.

“After the procession, we will continue the pahalik in the grandstand. A replica of the Nazareno will be put up there,” said Msgr Clemente Ignacio, rector of the Quiapo Church.

Ignacio reminded devotees to be courteous during the festivities. During Traslacion 2014, devotees took the image of the Black Nazarene before the Mass, the highest form of worship for Catholics, even finished. This was the first time devotees did this in the 246-year history of the icon in Quiapo Church.

“Our celebrations are celebrations of God. This Traslacion is a form of gratitude and a preparation for our encounter with God,” Ignacio added.

The parade will follow its traditional route from Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church, where a concluding Mass will be held. 

Physical, spiritual preparations

Bro. Rick Valencia, who’s in charge of the procession, said Quiapo Church has been preparing for the annual tradition for 6 months. 

“Every year, the number of devotees increase at a rate of 10 to 15%. Because of Pope Francis’ visit, it is likely that this will increase this year,” Valencia said. He added that there’s a big possibility that some devotees from the provinces will stay for the papal visit scheduled from January 15 to 19.

The church has coordinated with the DPWH to make sure the route will be safe for the public. The biggest concern will be the passage through Jones Bridge.

“Jones Bridge has a limited loading capacity of 5 tons. We will limit the passage of the people through one lane. Only light vehicles will be allowed to pass,” DPWH regional director Reynaldo Tagudando said.

He added: “We are only about to start the repairs of some bridges. We will limit the capacity of these bridges for safety purposes.” 

Valencia, however, maintained that the biggest preparation the Church has done is the spiritual formation of the devotees.

“Aside from the physical logistical preparations, our main focus is on spiritual formation. We’ve sent devotees to retreat houses to make them understand the deeper meaning of Traslacion and prepare them for their encounter,” Valencia said. 

‘No immediate threats’

The city government maintained that, so far, there are no immediate security threats to the festivities. The PNP, assisted by its army counterparts, will deploy its full NCR force.

“We haven’t seen any credible threats. On the part of the AFP, our chief of staff already gave instructions to look into any additional requirements for peacekeepers,” General Angelito de Leon said. 

In 2014, cellphone signals were blocked in the procession areas because security threats. It’s not yet sure if the same will be done this year.

“We don’t have any controls over that. That order comes from the top. It was done last year because there was a clear and present danger,” Ignacio said. 

ANNUAL TRADITION. A vendor prepares Black Nazarene merchandise in her shop across the Quiapo Church. Photo by David Lozada/ Rappler

Officials also advised the devotees not to start unnecessary commotion during the procession as this might cause stampede, injuries, and possibly deaths. 

Manila will deploy two amphibious trucks and rescue boats along the bridges, just in case. Around 82 ambulances will also be mobilized. Rescue teams from Pasig, Pasay, and Marikina will be on standby for any emergency.

About 6 million people will attend the public events of Francis in the Philippines. He will stay mainly in Manila and visit typhoon-ravaged communities in Leyte. Malacañang declared 3 days of the Argentine pontiff’s visit as special non-working holidays in Metro Manila. – Rappler.com 

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