QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or more popularly known as Quiapo Church in Manila has released the route of the “Walk of Faith” and prohibited items for the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9, 2023.
The Walk of Faith, which will be held after the 12 midnight mass on Jan. 8, will start at the Quirino Grandstand and will end in Quiapo Church.
According to Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, what sets the Walk of Faith apart this year from previous years’ observance is that there will be no images or replicas of the Black Nazarene that will be paraded during the procession, including “istandarte” or banners.
“No image nor banners. There will only be candles that held by the devotees, they have a route to follow, so the procession will be more peaceful. Normally it's okay, just because there is a little disturbance because the image of Poong Nazareno is being paraded outside, but there is nothing like that now,” she said.
Quiapo Church officials, meanwhile, advised the devotees to observe physical distancing, the wearing of face masks, and to use disinfectants.
Among the prohibited items during the activities include:
- Medium to life-size Nazareno images
- “Istandarte” or banners
- Carriage or “andas”
- Firearms and deadly weapons
- Pyrotechnic devices
- Drone cameras
- Professional cameras and video recorders
- Selfie sticks
- Large bags
- Blankets
- Hampers
- Storage boxes
- Portable appliances
- LPG and stoves
- Tents, tables, and other picnic items
- Umbrellas
- Alcoholic beverages
- Smoking and vaping
- Laser pointers
- Large chains, spikes, and other big metal objects
- Scooters, skateboards, skates, vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles
- Heavy meals
- Plastic and glass bottles
- Food sticks
- Pets
- Black plastics, and
- Jackets.
Here is the list of areas where the Walk of Faith will pass through:
- Grandstand / Parade Grounds
- Katigbak Road
- Padre Burgos Street
- Jones Bridge
- Dasmariñas Street
- Sta. Cruz
- Palanca Street
- Quezon Blvd.
- Arlegui Street
- P. Casal Street
- Concepcion Street
- Carcer Street
- Hidalgo Street
- Bilibid Viejo/ G. Puyat Street
- Guzman Street
- Hidalgo Street
- Quezon Blvd.
- Palanca Street
- Villalobos Street
- Quiapo Church
Church officials said the annual “Traslacion” is still suspended this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Quiapo Church said devotees will instead be given the opportunity to touch the image of the Black Nazarene or the “pagbibigay pugay” in lieu of the traditional “pahalik” at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
Manila Police District (MPD) Director Police Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon on Tuesday, Jan. 3, said over 5,000 personnel will be deployed to ensure a safe and peaceful conduct of the activities related the to the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Dizon said millions of devotees of the Black Nazarene are expected to join the Walk of Faith. (PIA-NCR)
