Palace hopes Nazarene feast strengthens Christian ties for peace in PH
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Thu, 09 Jan 2020 03:36:42 +0000
MALACAÑANG expressed hope that the Feast of the Black Nazarene would further strengthen our Christian ties for peace in the country.
In a statement, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said the annual Traslacion or the procession of the Black Nazarene “is a strong and a constant reminder of our people’s deep and lasting relationship with the Almighty.”
“Today, January 9, the Palace joins the Filipino Catholic faithful, particularly the Nazarene devotees, in the passionate and devotional observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene,” Panelo said.
“It is a good opportunity to strengthen our Christian ties with each other and move us to a spiritual awakening and rebirth that will contribute enormously to having a peaceful Philippines,” he added.
The Palace official also expressed hope for a solemn and orderly celebration of the annual religious event.
“As millions flock the Quiapo Church and surrounding areas as part of the time-honored tradition, the Palace is one in wishing for the safety of everyone and the orderly conduct of this solemn event,” Panelo said.
Millions of Black Nazarene devotees are expected to join the annual procession.
Last year, about 1.3 million devotees joined the 21-hour procession, many of them attempting to touch the image of the supposedly miraculous image.
This year, the Traslacion will take a different route and is estimated to last only up to 16 hours.
The route will begin at the Quirino Grandstand and end at the Quiapo Church in Manila.
The procession will also be 300 meters shorter due to the rehabilitation of the Jones and MacArthur bridges.
READ: Shorter route among big changes in Traslacion
Around 16,000 security personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Bureau of Fire Protection, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Coast Guard, and volunteers will be joining forces to ensure the safe and solemn procession of the Black Nazarene.
Meanwhile, work and classes in the city of Manila on Thursday were suspended to pave way for the religious event.
Telecommunications firms Smart and Globe have also announced that they would temporarily shut down their network services in parts of Metro Manila beginning 11 p.m. on Wednesday until 12 p.m. on Friday. CATHERINE S. VALENTE