Manila gov’t to make available 4 areas for devotees on Black Nazarene feast

The Manila City government will designate four areas to accommodate devotees who will attend Mass in Quiapo Church on the Feast of Black Nazarene on January 9.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita on Monday, Mayor Isko Moreno said he allowed the opening of the areas in consideration of the complaint response of the church in its gatherings amid pandemic.

“Doon naman sa dadako sa ating area sa Quiapo, we will make Villalobos, Carriedo, Hidalgo, and Plaza Miranda available sa excess sa loob ng simbahan kasi may maximum requirement,” Moreno said.

On Sunday, Quiapo Church spokesperson Fr. Douglas Badong said the celebration of the feast will exclude traditional activities such as procession and salubong or pahalik to avoid COVID-19 transmission.

Aside from this, devotees were told to attend mass in their own parishes instead of coming all the way to the Quiapo Church.

Badong said the church asked the Manila government to close off certain roads along the southern part of Quezon Boulevard to make way for devotees.

According to Moreno, the Manila government provided face shields and face masks to Quiapo Church that will be distributed to devotees inside the church during the feast.

Millions of devotees are expected to arrive at Quiapo Church during the traslacion or the procession of the Black Nazarene. — RSJ, GMA News