MORE devotees took part in the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Davao City on Monday, January 9 after Covid-19 restrictions have significantly reduced in the past year.
Based on the San Alfonso Ma. de Liguori Parish estimate, around 500 devotees participated in the traslacion this year compared to the estimated 200 to 300 devotees in 2022.
Jomar Narciso, parish social communications coordinator, said the traslacion this year returned to foot procession from the mobile parade in 2022.
“Last year, marami pa restrictions so wala gaano tao. Compared ngayon, wala na gaano restriction, marami na nakakapunta (There weren’t a lot of people last year because of the restrictions. Now that there are less restrictions, more people could join),” Narciso told SunStar Davao on Monday.
The grand traslacion started in the morning of January 9 at the San Alfonso Ma. de Liguori Parish.
The procession traversed Mandug National Highway to reach Our Lady of Penafrancia GKK Chapel at Deca Homes Esperanza in Barangay Tigatto where the Poon or the Black Nazarene will be displayed and visited by devotees.
At the same time, pahalik, pahawak, and papunas with the Black Nazarene were allowed again, and chapels can accommodate the full capacity of people for the Misa Nazareno.
“Parang bumalik na sa (It returned to) normal like pre-pandemic time. Yung sa paghalik lang sa Poon, kailangan lang gawin ng mga devotees is to wear their face mask para hindi sila mahawaan if ever may contamination (But the pahalik with the Nazarene, devotees should wear face masks to avoid contamination just in case),” Narciso said.
He added that the Nazarene will be installed permanently at Our Lady of Penafrancia GKK Chapel while weekly novenas will be held on Fridays for those who want to be devotees of the Nazarene. ICM