Quiapo Church rector Rev. Fr. Rufino Sescon, Jr. has called on devotees of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno to remain strong in faith as faithful followers of the Black Nazarene.

“When you want to find God, look up to Him. We will not look at the world or anyone in search of God. A person who looks up with a humble heart will find God,” Fr. Sescon said.

“We receive more than enough blessings from the Black Nazarene. That is why, we need to turn our backs from our sinful ways, from lying, corruption, violence, injustice, war, revenge and immorality. Let us avoid these sins so that our journey towards the Nazarene will be smooth and easy,” Fr. Sescon said.

Organizers were able to pull off a peaceful and orderly celebration of the feast of the traslacion this year. Tens of thousands of devotees of the revered Black Nazarene attended the series of events from Dec. 31, 2022 to Jan.9, 2023 with no reports of untoward incidents.

This was the third time that the much-anticipated traslacion was cancelled because of the prevailing pandemic. In its place, a Walk of Faith was held on Jan. 8 which attracted throngs of devotees carrying candles and small replicas of the Black Nazarene.

Thousands likewise lined up at the Quirino Grandstand, some waiting for at least four hours until midnight of Jan. 9 for the “Pagpupugay” (Paying homage) which took the place of the traditional “Pahalik” (Kissing of the revered image).

Large crowds also attended the hourly masses at the Quiapo Church on Jan. 9