By Jessa Lagahid, and Benedict Talines, USTP-CDO Interns/PNA
CAGAYAN DE ORO — An organizer of the Black Nazarene processions here is advising the faithful not to bring children below 12 years old and persons with disabilities (PWDs) during the annual rite on January 9.
Wenceslao Salcedo, operations manager of the Catholic religious rite, said children and PWDs may still go to the annual “traslacion” but should refrain from joining the parade that would carry the Black Nazarene’s replica on foot, from one church to another, with an approximate distance of 2.5 kilometers.
“We plead to the people that if possible, those who have illnesses, those who have children below 12 years old, and PWDs, are advised not to join the processions because untoward incidents may happen,” Salcedo said.
“Besides, the church is open–you can stay there,” he said, adding that those who cannot make it during the parade may still be guided to come near the Black Nazarene statue after the procession.
The procession rites, which originated in Quiapo, Manila and has been a popular religious rite for decades, have been part of Cagayan de Oro for 10 years now since the replica arrived here.
Rev. Father Julius Bong Clavero said this year’s “traslacion” coincides with the 60th anniversary of the local Nazareno parish church.
“We expect more crowd especially that every year the crowd keeps on increasing,” Clavero said.
