Nearly half an hour.

This was how long it took the Hijos del Nazareno (Sons of the Lord Nazarene) before they were finally able to transfer the life-sized image of the Black Nazarene to its andas (carriage) Saturday at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, Manila.

The delay was caused by devotees who scampered their way towards the back of the stage where the centuries-old image of the Nazareno was placed.

Fr. Anton Pascual, tried to pacify the devotees by leading them in praying the Lord’s Prayer and urging them to kneel down in prayer.

After a few prodding’s, the image was finally transferred to its waiting andas at the left side of the stage at 8 a.m. signaling the start of the traditional long procession.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, who concelebrated the 6 a.m. Mass, explained to reporters the reason why organizers chose to place the Black Nazarene at the back of the stage.

“They don’t want a repeat of what happened last year when people were already unruly even before I said my sermon,” he said.

‘That’s why they placed it there so that people won’t get unruly. I think it’s more orderly now,” added Rosales.

In his homily, the Cardinal called on the millions of devotees of the Black Nazarene to learn from Jesus Christ.

He said Jesus Christ, the Nazarene, shared important lessons and images of life such as how to live simple lives.

“Learn to live simply,” said Rosales in Filipino.

Another lesson that Jesus Christ, the Nazarene taught the faithful, he said, is humility.

“He is a picture of humility,” Rosales said as he cited Mary’s role in teaching her Son to live simple family life with His foster father Joseph.

The third important lesson that Jesus Christ showed the faithful, he said, was charity.

“Lending a hand to one’s fellowman is a trait of one who is from Nazareth.  That’s why he knows how to help others,” said Rosales.

Unknown to many, what is celebrated every January 9 is neither the feast day of Quiapo Church or of the Black Nazarene but the transfer of the image from Intramuros to the Quiapo Church.