Among the many feasts observed by the Catholic Church, the Feast of the Black Nazarene is one of the most popular in the country as shown by the thousands of devotees who yearly join the annual celebration and procession.

This is because of the devotees’ strong belief in the miraculous healing power of the Black Nazarene, Quaipo parish officials said.

Due to the big following of the Black Nazarene, church officials have scheduled 14 masses today, starting at 4 a.m. Four masses will be held outside the Plaza Miranda to accommodate thousands of people attending the feast.

The fiesta mass, however, will be held at 6 a.m. to be presided by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales.

Organizers started the traditional "pahalik sa poon" last night until today to give devotees a chance to venerate even the replica of the life-sized statue of the Black Nazarene in the church’s altar.

The real image of the centuries old Nazareno atop a gilded carriage called "andas" will be paraded around Quiapo area starting at 2 p.m. after the noon mass.

Those who cannot join the procession can still watch the proceedings as this will be seen via the video wall above the Mercury Drugstore in Plaza Miranda.

Annette Sugue, liaison representative of the Quiapo Church, reminded those joining the procession to take the necessary precautions as "many unexpected things may happen in a big crowd."

But more than the festivities, she said, devotees should always remember what the real message of the celebration is, and that is for sinners to learn to go back to Christ.

"Our devotion must lead us to change ourselves. May this occasion serves as a reminder that although we are all sinners, we are still given a chance to change. So let us go back to Christ," Sugue said.

By CHRISTINA I. HERMOSO

Devotees to Black Nazarene coming from various parts of RP

Thousands of devotees of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo in Manila will be traveling all the way from various parts of the country today to participate in the long procession, marking one of the largest festivals in the country – the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

The devotees, including private collectors, will bring with them different images and replicas of the Black Nazarene for the more than 200 years old traditional procession.

As was in previous years, devotees stand the risk of being trampled with a few passing out as many become unruly, pushing and shoving, once the Black Nazarene is taken out of the Quiapo Church for the procession. While chanting "Viva Senor!" everyone would dash forward wanting to touch the rope attached to the carriage of the image which is believed to cure ailments. Others would throw towels to the men carrying the life-size statue and who will in turn thrown the towels back to the crowd after wiping them on the Black Nazarene. Still, there are those who try to come closer to wipe the icon with their handkerchiefs. Many participants follow the procession around the streets of Quiapo barefoot as a sign of humility.

The statue of the Black Nazarene was bought by a priest in Mexico who brought it to Manila in 1606. Since 1787, the religious image has been housed at the St. John the Baptist Church in Quiapo. It is also brought out on Good Friday.

The feast of the Black Nazarene is also a tourist attraction as it offers an interesting insight on the traditions of Filipinos. It is festive and is considered as one of the most celebrated Catholic festivities in the country.

By RAYMUND F. ANTONIO  Atienza deploys cops in Quiapo to protect devotees from criminals

Manila Mayor Jose Atienza Jr. ordered yesterday the deployment of the Manila Police District (MPD) policemen to prevent any festival-related crimes during celebration today of the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila.

Hundreds of devotees are expected to gather at the St. John the Baptist Parish in Quiapo for the procession at 3 p.m. today.

Atienza said a number of policemen of the Manila Police District (MPD) would be deployed in the area to control the crowd. As part of the tradition, the life-size statue of the Black Nazarene would be put onboard a carriage and carried by barefooted maroon-robed pilgrims. It would pass through the streets of Quiapo, giving passersby the chance to touch or rub the image with their towels.

He said policemen would be deployed near the procession’s route.

The procession, which starts at mid-afternoon at the Saint John the Baptist Parish, where the statue is housed, would pass through the streets of Quiapo and goes back to the church.

The mayor said the security measures are also intended to ensure the safety of the country’s leading officials who would be joining the procession like Vice President Noli de Castro, a devotee of the Black Nazarene.

Meanwhile, President Arroyo will also attend the morning mass together with Vice President Noli de Castro and other politicians.

According to tradition, people who are able to touch the statue are cured of their disease. Devotees believe that those who would touch the image could receive its healing power.

Paramedics of the Manila Health Department are also deployed in the area.

A no-parking policy would be strictly implemented, as heavy traffic is expected in Quiapo, particularly along the southbound lane of Quezon Boulevard from Raon St. to Palanca St. near the church.