By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
Organizers of the annual feast of Jesus Nazareno have modified the andas (carriage) that will be used for the Traslacion, or the grand procession of the religious image from Quirino Grandstand in Luneta to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo on Jan. 9.
Alex Irasga, Nazareno 2026 adviser, said the modifications include more wheels for the andas, extra set of ropes, and the image’s cross.
He added that several changes had been made to the carriage’s design to discourage devotees from climbing it.
“We have shortened the cross so that there would be less opportunities to hang onto it. Our goal here is to protect our image,” he said.
“This is like an owner-type jeepney. It (andas) has an under chassis, it has brakes. The only thing that is missing from the vehicle is the engine.”
Instead of being fully closed, the image’s glass enclosure has several multiple holes.
“For the simple reason that we want to solve the problem of moisture on the glass. The holes will help balance the temperature inside and outside,” he said.
Likewise, they also prepared an extra set of ropes for the andas, measuring 30 meters, to address the perennial problem of the ropes being cut in the middle of the procession.
Road closures, procession route
Irasga said the Katigbak Drive fronting the Manila Hotel and Padre Burgos Street will be closed to devotees during the procession in order to ensure smoother passage of the andas from the Quirino Grandstand.
After the dawn prayer at the Quirino Grandstand, the annual Traslacion will start.
The procession route will begin at the Quirino Grandstand; Right to Katigbak Drive (left side); Right to Padre Burgos Street through Finance Road; Straight to Ayala Bridge; Left to Palanca Street; Right to Quezon Boulevard; Right to Arlegui Street; Right to Fraternal Street; Right to Vergara Street; Left to Duque de Alba Street; Left to Castillejos Street; Left to Farnecio Street; Right to Arlegui Street; Left to Nepomuceno Street; Left to Conception Aguila Street; Right to Carcer Street; Right to Hidalgo through Plaza del Carmen; Left to Bilibid Viejo through Gonzalo Puyat; Left to J. P. de Guzman Street; Right to Hidalgo Street; Left to Quezon Boulevard; Right to Palanca Street through under Quezon Bridge; and Right to Villalobos through Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church.
Meanwhile, Quiapo Church Rector Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan urged devotees to attend any of the 33 Fiesta Masses, which started at 3 p.m. Thursday until Jan. 9.
“The Mass is the highest form of worship. Even if you join the procession for 24 hours and roll on the ground, it cannot equal one hour or even 45 minutes of Mass,” he said.
On the other hand, Balanga Bishop Rufino Sescon is set to preside over the Misa Mayor (midnight Mass) at the Quirino Grandstand on Friday. It will be followed by the continuation of the vigil prior to the grand procession.
