SW News: As the new coronavirus variant is surging across the Philippines, the authorities have canceled the annual Black Nazarene procession that takes place on January 9 in Manila. Millions of faithful throng the streets to take part in the procession accompanying the replica of the 16th-century black statue of Christ with the cross that is one of the main events in the Filipino Catholic calendar.

On January 5, health authorities recorded 10,775 new Omicron infections. This prompted the government to intervene and ban all public events inside as well as outside of churches. Even the sale of souvenirs of the Black Nazarene and novena booklets has been banned. President Rodrigo Duterte also urged the faithful to avoid attending mass to prevent the virus from spreading.

The Black Nazarene is a 16th-century statue of Jesus on his way to being crucified, which is supposed to have healing powers, and it dates back to the Spanish colonial days. The feast is celebrated on January 9 annually. The statue that has survived fires twice, earthquakes, typhoon flooding, and bombardment during World War II is housed in Quiapo Church, a minor basilica in Manila. Every year, about three million devotees watch as a replica of the statue is transported from Manila's Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church. Officials allowed Quiapo Church, commonly known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, to hold Masses in person after the procession was canceled last year. However, this year authorities have stationed police officers around church premises to prevent public gatherings in the area.