Observe health protocols, Nazarene devotees warned

MANILA, Philippines — The Quiapo Church will be compelled to stop the Black Nazarene feast activities if devotees do not strictly adhere to the government’s health protocols for mass gatherings, an official said yesterday.

Parochial vicar Fr. Douglas Badong said they will be compelled to close the church so any untoward incidents will be avoided.

“We will stop the mass... only if needed, for the safety of every one, but it depends on the situation,” he said.

The Quiapo Church will celebrate on Jan. 9 the 415th Traslacion of the Black Nazarene. Manila apostolic administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo will preside over the mass that will start at 4 a.m.

Badong said that they expect only a few devotees to attend on Jan. 9 as they have launched a “localized celebration” wherein they have invited parish priests all over the country to celebrate the feast of the Black Nazarene.

Meanwhile, the EcoWaste Coalition urged devotees to respect the cancellation of the procession and “pahalik,” in which devotees kiss the image, to curb the spread of COVID-19.

EcoWaste Zero Waste campaigner Jove Benosa said if devotees do go to Quiapo Church, they should wear face masks and shields, practice good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette and maintain physical distancing. – Rhodina Villanueva, Jose Rodel Clapano