‘Walk of Faith’ eyed next year

Quiapo Church officials will introduce next year a procession for the devotees of the Black Nazarene, but without the actual revered religious icon. Dubbed “Walk of Faith,” the replacement procession will be held before dawn on Jan. 8, the eve of the Jan. 9 feast of the Black Nazarene, from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church both in Manila. According to Fr. Earl Allyson Valdez, who is part of the Quiapo Church preparatory committee, the Black Nazarene image will not be part of the procession. “We instead encourage devotees to bring their own miniature replicas that they use for prayer and devotion. We also ask devotees to bring candles, rosaries and face masks,” he said. From Jan. 7 to Jan. 9, the Black Nazarene image will be put on display at the Quirino Grandstand which is expected to draw multitudes of devotees who attribute miracles to the Black Nazarene.