Devotees flock to Quiapo Church on New Year’s Day, ahead of Black Nazarene feast

GMA News – Published January 1, 2021 9:16pm

Devotees have flocked the Masses at Quiapo Church in Manila on Friday, the first day of 2021, as they prepare for the celebration of the feast of the  Black Nazarene.

Catholic faithful attended masses in the afternoon up until evening on January 1, according to a 24 Oras report by Ian Cruz.

As the feast of the Black Nazarene nears on January 9, Masses were scheduled from dawn until evening, with novenas and disinfection in and out of the church and in between.

Other devotees were seen on both sides of Quezon Boulevard hearing Masses through the church’s video wall, while still others patiently waited for hours to enter Plaza Miranda.

“Ang habol lang kasi namin ‘yung bendisyon, para maramdaman namin ang milagro ng Poong Nazareno,” said devotee Malilibet Manuel.

Romeo Losande, who had difficulty walking after having a stroke, still went to Quiapo Church to attend Mass.

“Sana po ‘yung naranasan ng mga tao na paghihirap, mawala na ‘yung pandemya at matapos na ang problema,” Losande said.

Some devotees who fell in line for hours from Carriedo said they were eased after entering and hearing Mass inside the church.

Masses were also celebrated by some Bishops which started this Thursday until the Black Nazarene feast.

“Kung magsisimba kayo sa Nazareno, dapat ‘yung may kalusugan. ‘Yung mga mahihina, ‘yung maysakit, huwag na pong magpilit, meron naman po tayong live, doon na lang sila magsimba. ‘Yung mga bata, hinihiling din namin na huwag niyo nang ipilit na dalhin dito sa simbahan dahil talagang hindi po namin pinapapasok,” pleaded an Hijos Del Nazareno to the public. -Jamil Santos/NB, GMA News

SOURCE: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/metro/770116/devotees-flock-to-quiapo-church-on-new-year-s-day-ahead-of-black-nazarene-feast/story/?just_in