SW News: In spite of the COVID protocol in place, 88,000 believers attended the Walk of Faith as part of the annual Black Nazarene feast in the Philippines capital Manila early on Sunday, January 8.

Citing pandemic curbs, the Walk of Faith just lasted a few hours and the customary “Translacion” or transfer of the image from the original resting place of the sacred image in Bagumbayan, which is located in the present Rizal Park, to the Quiapo Church was called off this year because of potential health hazards.
As the pandemic restrictions were in place, the pilgrims walked in an orderly manner on Sunday from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church. This was in sharp contrast to the Translacion when millions swarm the street as the sacred image slowly makes its transition.

Some 88,000 devotees attended the Walk of Faith early Sunday morning in Manila to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene, according to the  Quiapo Church Command Post.

The procession, from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church, was much less crowded and more orderly than the traditional “Traslacion” where crowds swarm around the life-size statue of the Black Nazarene. The time taken for the procession once was a record 22 hours.

There are reports that the Red Cross cared for some 50 pilgrims who required medical care during the Walk. Pinoy portal Newsinfo cited Manila Police District Director Brigadier General Andre Dizon as saying there were no unwanted incidents during the solemn event.

In the Church of Quiapo, Masses were offered within a gap of an hour and believers were told to venerate the sacred image without the customary touch or kiss. The feast of the Black Nazarene is celebrated in the capital from New Year’s Eve to January 9.