MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Black Nazarene reached its home at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or the Quiapo Church at 2:06 am on Sunday, January 10.
This was after an estimated 20-hour procession that started before 6 am Saturday, January 9, at the Quirino Grandstand at the Luneta in Manila.
In 2015, the Traslacion also took about 20 hours, starting out at a later time, 8:00 am, on January 9, and officially ending at 4 am on January 10.
Millions of devotees joined the annual procession that is hailed by Church leaders as a vibrant expression of faith. Of the country’s estimated 100 million people, 80 percent are Catholics.
Two devotees died at the sidelines of the procession – 27-year-old Alex Fulyedo and 58-year-old Mauro Arabit, a candle vendor.
The Philippine Red Cross reported having assisted close to 1,300 devotees. Over 500 were treated for wounds, abrasions, dizziness and bruises.
The procession was previously expected to end at 4:15 am, but as the night wore on, the number of devotees taking part in the religious journey became less. This allowed a faster movement of devotees, with arrival estimates advanced to 1:52 am by 1 am of Sunday.
A jostling crowd slowed down the entry of the Black Nazarene into the Quiapo Church, as church leaders led by parish priest Monsignor Hernando Coronel barked orders to make way for the religious icon.
By 2:06 am, the Nazarene was back home. – Rappler.com