CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–18,000 devotees joined this year’s procession of the image of the Black Nazarene or Traslacion in Cagayan de Oro City.

The Traslacion happens every 9th of January, drawing hundreds of participants and showcasing the depth of religious devotion in the Philippines. 

This year, 18,000 entities come from the city and neighboring provinces and even as far as Visayas. The devotees joined the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene from St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral to Fernandez and Velez Streets, towards C.M. Recto Avenue, and Nazareno Church.

Marybelle Gutierrez, 48, the mother of a 17-year-old college student, joined the crowd. She is part of the 35-person league from Christ the King Church in Kisolon, Bukidnon. She shared that she has consistently been joining the Traslacion for five years already. 

Her devotion to this practice started when her son was diagnosed with heart disease, and she had been asking for healing. 

She shared that her son is now in his second year of college, pursuing a Business Administration course at Bukidnon State University.

During the ongoing mass, more than 20 police officers and Philippine Army members can be seen inside and around the Nazareno church.

Days before the event, Lt Col. Rey Gaudencio Taboclaon, the deputy city director for operations of Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, announced that they already organized a personnel delegation. Passersby could observe two tents serving as checkpoint stations near the Nazareno Church.

At the entrance, police officers check individuals entering if they possess items prohibited by the police in the area, such as backpacks and caps. Church officers also reprimand individuals not following church rules, including proper areas for exit and entrance. (PIA-10/IJBD)