Duterte calls for unity, prayers on Black Nazarene feast day

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday expressed hopes for unity and continued prayers for the country's recovery and humanity's healing in his message issued on the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

"Although we may not be able to take part in the usual Traslacion activities that have marked the celebration for centuries, let us keep on demonstrating our faith by praying for our country's recovery and for humanity's complete healing, especially from the ill effects of the COVID-19 pandemic," Duterte said.

"As a predominantly Catholic nation, may we remain united in spirit and in truth as we continue to build a future that is truly blessed with peace, prosperity, love and goodwill for all," he added.

The Feast of the Black Nazarene is being observed on Sunday, January 9. However, due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, the annual Traslacion, the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church, was canceled.

Duterte earlier urged the suspension of mass gatherings, including the traditional Traslacion and the mass for the Black Nazarene, due to the rising cases of COVID-19 infections in the country.

"This venerated religious tradition, which commemorates the transfer of the image of Jesus Christ from its original place in Intramuros to its current shrine in Quiapo, is also a precious time for every devotee to understand the value of suffering and its saving grace," Duterte said on Sunday.

The traslacion began on Jan. 9, 1787, upon the orders of then Archbishop Basilio Tomas Sancho de Santas Justa Y Rufina.

The Quiapo Church has been closed from January 7 to 9 to prevent the overcrowding that may occur among devotees.

Despite this, several devotees still tried to go to Quiapo Church on Sunday, with some of them praying by the roadside instead. 

Church officials said devotees may watch the Masses streamed online instead. —KG, GMA News