In Mariz Umali’s report on “24 Oras” Wednesday, the HDN said they are also starting their physical preparations for the grand procession, which attracts millions of Filipino devotees every year.
“Simula na akong maglakad-lakad sa umaga. Karamihan sa amin, nagsitabaan na eh,” said HDN Central Head Val Samia.
(I have started exercising in the morning. A lot of us are out of shape)
“Binibigyan kami ng mga orientation, formation para mas maliwanagan kami kung bakit kailangan ibalik ‘yung mga dating tradisyon na mayroong kaligtasan, kabanalan,” Samia said.
(We were given orientation and formation to enlighten us why we need to reinstate old traditions with safety and holiness.)
The Traslacion on January 9 is an annual procession that draws millions of Filipino devotees from all over the country. The statue of the Black Nazarene is placed on display at the Quirino Grandstand before returning to the Quiapo Church. The event was canceled in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Selected HDN members participate in the procession and protect the Black Nazarene until it returns to the Quiapo Church.
On Tuesday, the new Traslacion committee said it is planning to install a glass case around the image of the Black Nazarene to protect the image from possible damage but leaving a portion of the cross exposed for those who wish to touch it.
“Disgrasya at di kasi maiiwasan na may papanhik. ‘Pag pumanhik ang deboto di mo mapigil ‘yan lalo na pag hinawakan ang kaniyang krus. Sa krus pa lang, makikita natin, nilalambitinan. Buwis-buhay po kung tawagin natin,” said HDN Basilica Head Orlando Giray.
(Accidents are inevitable during the procession, especially when a devotee attempts to get close to the image. As we have seen, some even hang from the cross. It’s risky.
Meanwhile, the group called on the devotees to adhere to guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety.
“Ito po ay gawaing banal. Ang gawin po natin maging maayos po tayo para maging ang daloy ng prusisyon ay mapaayos po natin,” said HDN Anpon Albert Cañete.
(This is a sacred tradition. Let us follow guidelines to ensure our safety as well as a smooth flow for the procession.) —Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News
