Embracing Heritage Quiapo Church Readies for Traditional 2024 Traslacion Celebration

janimonow

Dec 28

The Quiapo Church in Manila is looking forward to reviving time-honored traditions for the 2024 Traslacion, the annual procession of the Black Nazarene. This decision, announced by Father Hans Magdurulang, the Church's spokesperson, marks a return to the church's historical practices. Central to these revived customs is the enclosure of the Black Nazarene's image in a glass case, a tradition from the past meant to safeguard the venerated image while still allowing devotees to see and venerate it.

The Traslacion, a deeply significant event for Filipino Catholics, draws millions of devotees nationwide. During this procession, the revered statue of the Black Nazarene is displayed at the Quirino Grandstand before it makes its way back to the Quiapo Church. This grand event, which was last held in 2020 and lasted 16 hours, has been on hold since 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to the glass case, the church plans to reintroduce other traditional practices such as "Pahalik" (kissing the Black Nazarene image), wiping the image with a cloth, and pulling the image using a rope during the Traslacion. These rituals are significant to the devotees, allowing them to engage more intimately with their faith.

Fr. Magdurulang emphasizes the church's commitment to ensuring that the Traslacion remains a sacred, safe, and orderly event. To prepare for the 2024 procession, representatives from the Quiapo Church, law enforcement, and other government agencies conducted a walkthrough earlier this month, ensuring the readiness and safety of the event.