Devotees told: Follow traslacion protocols

Devotees of the Black Nazarene are urged to follow security protocols during the traslacion, which will be held on Jan. 9, for a faster and more organized procession.

- By DAPHNE GALVEZ

Quiapo Church rector Fr. Rufino Sescon Jr. said the cooperation of the participants is crucial for an orderly traslacion.

“We call on devotees to understand that expressing faith also involves obedience,” Sescon, who is also the bishop-elect of the Balanga diocese, said.

He encouraged devotees to refrain from blocking the path or attempting to climb the andas or carriage of the Black Nazarene, saying this could slow down the procession and would prevent others from seeing the wooden image of Jesus Christ.

“We are returning to the old devotion, where Jesus Nazarene is the main focus,” Sescon said.

Devotees can carry waist bags, but will be subject to inspection. They are also advised to bring clear plastic or garbage bags for their belongings.

Those joining the traslacion are discouraged from bringing banners, medium-size or life-size Nazareno images, drone cameras and flammable materials, among others.

According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, more than 14,000 police and security personnel will secure the procession of the centuries-old image of Jesus Nazarene.