The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, also known as the Quiapo Church in Manila, has released the schedule of Masses for next year’s “Traslacion.”
The “Traslacion” is the annual commemoration of the solemn transfer of the image of the Black Nazarene to the church in the district from nearby Intramuros.
Novena Masses from December 31 to Jan. 9, 2021, will usher in the celebration. A bishop from nearby dioceses will celebrate the Masses.
The prelates who will celebrate the Masses include Bishop Bartolome Santos of Iba, Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao, Bishop Roberto Gaa of Novaliches, Bishop Pablo David Kalookan, retired Novaliches bishop Teodoro C. Bacani, Bishop Mylo Vergara of Pasig, Bishop Buenaventura Famadico of San Pablo, Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista of Imus, and Auxiliary Bishop Nolly Buco of Antipolo.
On the “feast day” of the Black Nazarene, the celebration of the Mass will be presided by Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Manila at four o’clock in the morning.
In a video message, Father Douglas Badong, parochial vicar of Quiapo Church, said the theme for the celebration is “It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Church and government officials have already announced that the traditional procession of the image of the Black Nazarene will not be held due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The kissing of the image is also cancelled.
Father Badong appealed to devotees for understanding. “We need your cooperation and understanding for the changes,” said the priest in a video message.
Every year, on January 9, millions of devotees join the procession that reenacts the “solemn transfer” of the image of the Black Nazarene from an old church in the old walled city of Intramuros to Manila’s Quiapo district.
