Devotees queue up for blessing of Holy Nazarene images

Devotees flocked to Quiapo on Saturday for the annual blessing of the standards and replicas of the Poong Jesus Nazareno.

According to a 24 Oras Weekend report by Darlene Cay, Catholic faithful filled Quezon Boulevard southbound and Villalobos Street with their standards and replicas as priests performed the blessings from the Quiapo footbridge.

Many devotees transported their Poong Nazareno replicas on trucks, tricycles, and motorcycles, while others prepared the clothes and float designs. Even the vehicles carrying the replicas were decorated.

“‘Yun po ‘yung pananampalataya namin sa Kaniya. Kahit hindi ganiyan kabongga ‘yung aming sasakyan, nakarating pa rin kami roon dahil sa pananampalataya namin,” said Erna Vasaya, a devotee.

(It shows our faith in Him. Even if we do not have a grand vehicle, we still came for the event because of our faith in Him.)

The Catholic Church clarified that the tradition does not mean that replicas or images of the Poong Nazareno should be worshipped.

“‘Yung mga imahe ay isang buhay na paalala, na minsan sa kasaysayan natin, ang Diyos naging maliit, ang Diyos naging kaisa ng sangkatauhan, liban sa kasalanan. Naramdaman Niya ang ating paghihirap, at kasama natin Siya sa bawat sandali ng ating buhay,” said Reverend Robert Arellano, Nazareno 2026 spokesperson.

(The images are a living reminder that once in our history, God became small, God became one with humanity, except for sin. He felt our suffering, and He is with us in every moment of our lives.)

The blessing of replicas is part of the preparations for the Feast of the Poong Jesus Nazareno on Friday, January 9.

Meanwhile, the Quirino Grandstand is being arranged for the Pahalik, while Quiapo Church continues preparations for the Traslacion next Friday. The traditional route from the Quirino Grandstand to the andas’ return will be retained, although some changes will be implemented.

“Mayroon po tayong dalawang tulay na isasara hangga’t hindi nakakatawid ang ating imahen. 'Yung tulay ng Ayala at 'yung tulay ng Carlos Palanca. Nakasara ho 'yan mula Enero 8 ng gabi hanggang makatawid ang ating imahen,” said Alex Irasga, Technical Adviser of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazarene.

(The Ayala bridge and the Carlos Palanca bridge will be closed until the image has crossed. They will be closed from the evening of January 8.)

“Bawal po tayong magdala ng anumang bagay tulad ng baril, panaksak at mga kahalintulad nito. We discourage din ang pagsusuot ng sumbrero para sa ating security measures,” said Police Major Philipp Ines, MPD spokesperson, in a Super Radyo DZBB interview.

(We are not allowed to bring items such as guns, knives, and the like. We also discourage wearing hats for security reasons.)

The opening on Villalobos Street will be the only entrance to Quiapo Church for devotees attending Mass on the Feast of the Holy Nazarene.—Jamil Santos/MCG, GMA Integrated News