The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or the Quiapo Church in Manila has released the schedule for next year’s Traslacion in January.
The annual celebration will be ushered in by novena Masses from Dec. 31 to Jan. 9.
The novena Masses will be presided over by different Catholic prelates – Iba Bishop Bartolome Santos, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, Novaliches Bishop Roberto Gaa, Caloocan Bishop Pablo David, retired Novaliches Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani, Pasig Bishop Mylo Vergara, San Pablo Bishop Buenaventura Famadico, Imus Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista, and Antipolo Auxiliary Bishop Nolly Buco.
On the Feast Day of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9, the Mass will be presided over by Archdiocese of Manila Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo at 4 a.m.
Quiapo Church has also the theme and logo for the celebration.
In a video message, Fr. Douglas Badong, parochial vicar of Quiapo Church, said that the theme is "Huwag kayong matakot, si Jesus ito (It is I. Don't be afraid)” from Matthew 14: 22-33.
The logo has a sun, wave, galleon ship, ichtus, and an image of the Black Nazarene on the center.
Quiapo Church officials had earlier announced that the traditional procession of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9 will no longer push through due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
The "pahalik" (kissing of the image) was also cancelled and will be replaced with a "pagpugay" or "pagtanaw" (viewing) of the image.
Badong appealed anew to devotees for their understanding and to be open to the changes.
"We need your cooperation and understanding for the changes," said Badong in a video message posted on the Facebook page of Quiapo Church.