For the first time since the community quarantine was implemented, the image of the Black Nazarene was brought out of Quiapo Church in Manila for a motorcade Monday.
Fr. Douglas Badong, parochial vicar of Quiapo Church, said the Black Nazarene was taken out to seek his help amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Parang pagsumamo sa Nazareno mawala na ang virus na ito (It's a plea to the Nazareno to end this virus)," he said in an interview.
"Ito naman ay prayer sa lahat, sa buong mundo. Di lang sa Pilipinas. Kasi dati mga sinauna kapag may mga pandemic, isang paraan na ginagawa ang procession (This is a prayer for the whole world not just the Philippines)," added Badong.
The priest said they brought out the Black Nazarene to give "hope to the people" during the pandemic.
The motorcade was preceded with a Mass presided over by Monsignor Hernando "Ding" Coronel, Quiapo Church rector.
During the 12 noon Mass, Coronel said they decided to hold the activity to make up to the devotees since they were unable to hold the Good Friday procession of the image last April due to the pandemic.
"Ito ay bayad namin ni Fr. Douglas. Ilalabas natin sa mga kalye ng Quiapo at mga komunidad ang banal na krus na dinadala ng ating Poong Nazareno (This is what Fr. Douglas and I owe you. That's why we will bring the image carrying the cross to the streets and communities of Quiapo)," he said.
The activity coincided with the observance of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.