TWENTY-ONE areas are set to be visited by the Black Nazarene as part of the annual celebration of the feast of the image of the black Christ after the traditional grand procession was earlier canceled by authorities due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
In a press conference, Quiapo Church Parochial Vicar Fr. Douglas Badong said they have initially identified 21 areas in Luzon that will be hosting the iconic image in the "Pagdalaw" beginning December 31.
"Instead of the usual celebration centered in Quiapo, the feast will be brought to different chapels and parishes," said Badong.
"This way, we can avoid the possible spread of the virus that may be brought by the convergence of devotees from different places. This year, we will just celebrate the feast in our respective communities," he added.
On December 31, the image will visit Hospicio de San Jose in Manila and the Antipolo Cathedral.
On January 1, it will be at the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila.
The Manila Cathedral, the Minor Basilica of the Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan, and the Shrine of Padre Pio in Batangas will host the Black Nazarene on January 2.
On January 3, it will be brought to the Greenbelt Chapel in Makati City, San Jose Cathedral in Nueva Ecija, and San Vicente Ferrer Parish in Laguna.
The Black Nazarene image will be hosted on January 4 by the Manila City Hall, Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Nueva Ecija, and San Roque Parish in Cavite.
On January 5, it will visit the Bureau of Fire Protection headquarters in Quezon City, San Fernando Cathedral in Pampanga, and San Isidro Parish in Las Pinas City.
On January 6, the image will be at the Manila Police District, Malolos Cathedral in Bulacan, and Sto. Niño Parish in Taguig City.
On January 7, the Black Nazarene will be at the NCS-BEC Community, Sto. Domingo Shrine in Quezon City, and Baclaran Church in Parañaque City.
Badong said nobody will be allowed to join the pilgrimage or when the image is transferred from one area to another.
Meanwhile, at the Quiapo Church, the priest said there will be a "Pagpupugay" or the act of paying respectful greeting, to the miraculous image, on December 27.
Badong said this will replace the traditional "pahalik" of the Black Nazarene, also in accordance with the existing health protocols.
"Instead of the traditional 'pahalik' and wiping of cloth, the people will just view the Black Nazarene in front of the church to pay our respect and pray to Him," said Badong.
Badong said they will make available all Feast Day Masses on January 9 at the Quiapo Church on social media to enable all devotees to attend the celebration wherever they are.
Large LED billboards will also be put up outside the Quiapo Church to ensure physical distancing of those outside the building.
Last October, officials of Quiapo Church and the City Government of Manila announced the cancellation of the grand procession of the Black Nazarene for the first time in its 400-year-old history. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)