Quiapo Church (File photo)
MANILA – Over 30 masses will be held during the annual celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9, 2024, but activities will already start on Saturday.
According to the report of Church-run Radio Veritas, the organizers of the Nazareno feast will begin activities at 11:30 p.m. for the usual thanksgiving procession around the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or the Quiapo Church.
From Dec. 31 to Jan. 8, 2024, the “Misa Nobenaryo” (Novena Mass) will be held, to be aired live on Radio Veritas 846AM.
Other activities include the village visitation on Jan. 1 to 6, while the replica blessing and procession will be held on Jan. 3 and 4 at 1:30 p.m.
On Jan. 6 at 6 p.m., the Mass for the volunteers will be held, followed by the opening of the "Pahalik" or kissing of the Nazareno at 7 p.m. until Jan. 8 at the Quirino Grandstand.
The "Panalangin sa Takipsilim" (prayers by nightfall) will be held on Jan. 8 at 5:30 p.m., to be followed by a vigil and other programs at 6 p.m.
Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula will lead the Fiesta Mass at midnight on Jan. 9, also at the Quirino Grandstand.
The Fiesta Masses will start Jan. 8 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Following the one officiated by Advincula, Masses will continue until 11 p.m. at the church
Overall, there will be 33 Masses.
Although the traditional procession will be brought back, organizers noted that it will be unique as the image will be placed in a glass case to provide protection and devotees will have the opportunity to see it during the procession.
The theme of Nazareno 2024 is "We want to see Jesus." (PNA)
