Bishop expects more people to join Black Nazarene procession

MANILA, Philippines - A Catholic bishop on Monday said that more people are expected to join the yearly procession for the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9.

Novaliches Bishop emeritus Teodoro Bacani said he expects millions of devotees of the miraculous image to flock to the traditional procession from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church especially after the devastation brought by super typhoon Yolanda that whipped Eastern Visayas and the 7.2 magnitude quake that rocked Bohol and Cebu.

"Nakikita ng mga tao lalo na ng mga Pilipino na ang buhay nila ay madalas hirap, talagang maraming pinagdaraanan. Tayo naman lahat lalo na ang mga ordinaryong manggagawa, nakikita nila sa Poong Hesus ang isang Panginoon na nakiisa at nakikiisa sa kanila at nagpapasan ng hirap para at alang-alang sa mga tao. Nakikita nila na kaisa natin ito at kakampi natin ito at sa tulong Niya tayo ay makakaahon din," the bishop told Church-run Radyo Veritas.

The prelate, however, called on the devotees to stay safe during the procession.

Several people get hurt during the procession as the thousands of devotees attempt to push their way to get touch and get near the black image of Jesus.

"Ang devotion involves affection, laging may affection yan, ang affection ng mga Pilipino ay hindi mo mawawari sa pamamagitan ng pag-iisip. Kaya ang kanilang mga gesture ng pagmamahal ay hindi mo dapat hatulan yan. Kaya lang minsan may sumosobra na nakakasakit maging sa sarili na ang dapat iwasan ng mga tao," the bishop added.