WITH three bridges nearer Quiapo Church currently undergoing retrofitting, the annual procession of the image of the Black Nazarene on January 9 is set to pass through the Ayala Bridge.
According to Quiapo Church Parochial Vicar Fr. Douglas Badong, the procession in Manila annually attended by millions, will not pass through any of the Jones Bridge, Mc Arthur Bridge, and Quezon Bridge.
"We will make use of Ayala Bridge instead," announced Badong ahead of Monday night's Black Nazarene Thanksgiving Procession on December 30.
"Please inform other devotees about the change in the route. This is also for our safety and security," he added.
After starting at the Quirino Grandstand, the priest explained that the procession shall head to Katigbak Road, Burgos, Finance Road, LRT Taft Station, all the way to Ayala Bridge, and Palanca.
The procession will then resume the traditional route once it reaches Quiapo area, Badong noted.
Every January 9, millions of Black Nazarene devotees join the annual procession, which commemorates the transfer of the image to the Quiapo Church in 1607.
Meanwhile, the Black Nazarene Thanksgiving Procession saw its fastest edition on Monday night until early Tuesday, December 30 to 31.
According to Quiapo Church Rector Monsignor Hernando Coronel, the procession was already over by 1:24 a.m. Tuesday after starting at 11:45 p.m., Monday.
"The procession finished at 1:24 a.m. with a record breaking duration of one hour, 40 minutes, and 39 seconds to complete the 2.37-kilometer route," bared Coronel.
He said the event was participated by approximately 64,250 devotees, 7,200 uniformed officers, and 150 medical and safety personnel.
The priest also said that the procession took off orderly, with neither istandarte nor unruly mob that used to climb the andas (carriage).
Lastly, Coronel said there were no reported incidents pertaining to peace and order, safety, and security during the entire procession. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)