Quiapo Church began the Novena prayers for Black Nazarene
The Quiapo Church or the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Manila on Thursday began the eight-day novena for the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, 2021.
Manila Bulletin reported that the traditional dressing of the image was held at the shrine of the basilica the other day.
Rev. Fr. Danichi Hui, parochial vicar of Quiapo Church, said in a reflection posted at the Radyo Veritas website that the dressing ritual marked the initial preparation for the feast of the Black Nazarene.
According to Hui, His garment was a symbol and reminder for Catholic Filipinos as the red garment symbolized love, while the decoration and flowers were reminders of His passion, suffering, and sacrifice for humanity.
Hui added that the accessories could be considered as an element of faith to remind Catholic Filipinos about God’s love for mankind.
He also said that devotees should focus on continuously venerating Jesus Christ for His sacrifices for humanity amidst the changes in the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Manila Bulletin also reported that the novena prayers would end on January 8, 2021.
READ ALSO: Traslacion 2021 Cancelled Due To Pandemic — Manila Government
The traditional “pahalik” or the kissing of the image, which was usually held on January 8 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, had been replaced with “pagpupugay” or “pagtanaw” or viewing.
In addition, the pilgrim image was put on display on December 27 at the balcony of the Quiapo Church in Manila.
According to Quiapo Church, there would be no “pahalik” for Traslacion 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Also, the traditional procession of the Black Nazarene was also canceled due to the pandemic.
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