In relation to the observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, 2026, authorities from the Quiapo Church appealed to the devotees, particularly the youngsters, to express their devotion by means of attending mass and praying, instead of forcing their way to the top of the carriage carrying the image of the Nazarene during the ‘Traslacion.’
Quiapo Church Rector Reverend Father Ramon Jade Licuanan told a press conference that the highest form of expressing one’s faith is through solemn prayers and attending masses relative to the occasion, although he made it clear that the Church recognizes the efforts of the youngsters and devotees who join the ‘Traslacion,’ the procession which serves as the highlight of the feast celebration.
Licuanan said: “Hindi mo pwedeng ikumpara ang sampung oras mong prusisyon sa isang oras [na dasal]. Kahit 24 oras kang mag-prusisyon, magpagulong-gulong ka doon, di mo kayang tapatan ang isang oras o 45 minutes na Misa. We recognize na some Catholics,nakakaramdam sila ng little consolation pag nakakahawak sila [sa Poon]… Kanya-kanya naman tayo, ‘di natin maaalis ‘’yun… Kaya nga may mga hijos na nandoon sa tagiliran ng andas.”
Quiapo Church technical adviser Alex Irasga meanwhile urged the young devotees who are planning to join the ‘Traslacion’ to wave their white towels or at the most, try to touch the ropes instead of climbing the carriage.
“’Wag na muna natin isalang [sila] sa isasalya sa likuran. Katawan sa katawan po ‘yang sinasalya natin. ‘Wag na muna natin sila turuang sumampa. Hayaan na muna nating masanay ang kanilang katawang-lupa sa pisikal na kahirapan ng pag-pruprusisyon. Hindi niyo kailangang makipag-kumpetensya sa walong milyon. Only one day lang ‘yan nawawala. Why don’t you come here on an ordinary day? Inyong-inyo ang Nazareno, yakapin niyo ‘yan kung gusto ninyo. Walang pipigil sa inyo. You can always come here, you’re always welcome,” said Irasga.
He also said that certain innovations have been introduced like shortening the cross being carried by the revered icon, in an effort to do away with the practice of some devotees who hang from the cross while embracing it.
The carriage now has a driver and four wheels instead of three, similar to an owner-type jeepney but without an engine. Two pairs of rope instead of one will also be used, in readiness for the eventuality where the rope breaks due to pulling of the devotees.
“The case carrying the Jesus Nazareno will have perforated metal plates to help regulate temperature and prevent moisture build-up inside the glass case.Layunin po natin rito ay proteksyunan ang ating imahen at ‘wag maapektuhan ang katawan ng Mahal na Señor,” Irasga said.
