This procession is one of the most important religious celebrations in the Philippines, the only country with a Catholic majority in Asia, accounting for approximately 82% of the entire population.
The origin of the Black Nazarene dates back to 1607, when the wooden image representing Christ bent under the weight of the cross was transported on a ship from Mexico to Manila. According to tradition, during the voyage the ship caught fire but the image was miraculously spared and was only blackened.
Two years after the procession was suspended due to the pandemic, Catholics feared that the restrictions would again be imposed in 2023.
However, on Jan. 3, the Church of Quiapo received authorization from the civil authorities to resume the tradition under certain conditions.
According to Asia News, Father Earl Allyson Valdez, the pastor of Quiapo, explained that this year instead of kissing the Black Nazarene the faithful could simply approach and touch the revered image to avoid contagion.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.
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