Diocese of Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy expressed his gratitude to the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila led by its rector Monsignor Hernando Coronel for gifting them with a replica of the revered Black Nazarene.
Bishop Uy said the presence of the image of the Black Nazarene in the diocese will help spread devotion to the Mahal na Poong Nazareno in the Diocese of Tagbilaran which is observing its 80th founding anniversary.
"We are very grateful to the Quiapo Church (Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene) for giving us a replica image of the Poong Nazareno. This is a priceless gift received by the Diocese of Tagbilaran on the occasion of its 80th Foundation Anniversary,” Bishop Uy said over Radio Veritas.
The replica image of the Poong Nazareno arrived in Bohol on Nov. 20 and was warmly received by the clergy of the diocese. A motorcade was held from the airport to the St. Joseph Cathedral Shrine and Parish inTagbilaran City where the blessing and acceptance rites led by Bishop Uy were held. The replica will be temporarily housed at the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Dauis, Bohol while the shrine where it will be permanently kept is still being constructed.
The Quiapo Church seeks to spread devotion to the Black Nazarene around the country as the Philippines observes the 500 Years of Christianity.