By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
Organizers of the annual celebration of the feast of Jesus Nazareno set the blessing of replica images and banners (istandarte) on Saturday, Jan. 3.
Priests who will be blessing the images and banners are situated at the Quezon Boulevard footbridge, near the Minor Basilica of Jesus Nazareno, according to a statement on Friday.
Blessing will start at 1:00 p.m.
The church established three entry points for devotees:
Entrance 1: Rizal Avenue – Carriedo St. – Plaza Miranda, pass through Quezon Boulevard;
Entrance 2: Plaza Lacson – Carlos Palanca – Villalobos St. – Plaza Miranda, pass through Quezon Boulevard;
Entrance 3: Carlos Palanca – Quinta Market – Quezon Blvd. southbound under Quezon Bridge, pass through Quezon Boulevard
Participants must exit through P. Paterno, Gonzalo Puyat (Raon), and towards Recto Avenue.
Alex Irasga, technical adviser of the Quiapo Church, asked devotees who will have their images and banners blessed on Saturday to refrain from bringing these to the Traslacion on Jan. 9 “so as not to interfere with the celebration.”
He added that there will be a special Mass for members of the media, national and local government agencies, and volunteers on Jan. 7 at 6:00 p.m. in Quirino Grandstand.
“For the members of the media, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government unit, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Health, and medical volunteers … they will be given a chance to touch the image of Jesus Nazareno with their handkerchief or towels,” he said.
AFP help in Traslacion
Meanwhile, Metro Manila-based units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will help secure this year’s Traslacion.
“This support is in line with the AFP’s mandate to assist civil authorities in ensuring peace and order, public safety, and the safe and orderly conduct of this significant religious event,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a message to reporters.
Padilla clarified that the police will be in charge of securing the event. The AFP’s roles will include crowd management assistance, mobility, communications, and rapid response capabilities. (With a report from Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)
