Faith Renewed Quiapo Church Welcomes Thousands for First Mass of 2024 and Prepares for Traslacion

On January 1, 2024, thousands of Filipino devotees gathered at Quiapo Church in Manila to attend the first Mass of the new year. This event drew large crowds, with each Mass attended by 1,000 to 3,000 devotees. Due to the high attendance, many had to remain outside the church, spilling into surrounding areas like Quezon Boulevard and Plaza Miranda. Authorities monitored the event closely, ensuring no untoward incidents occurred while advising visitors to be vigilant about their children and belongings.

This gathering at Quiapo Church also served as a prelude to the church’s preparation for the 2024 Traslacion, a major religious event in the Philippines. This annual procession of the Black Nazarene, deeply significant for Filipino Catholics, draws millions of devotees nationwide. Father Hans Magdurulang, the Church’s spokesperson, announced the revival of historical practices for the Traslacion, including the enclosure of the Black Nazarene’s image in a glass case, allowing devotees to venerate it safely. This procession, last held in 2020 and paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will reintroduce other traditional practices such as “Pahalik” (kissing the Black Nazarene image), wiping the image with a cloth, and pulling the image using a rope. Preparations for this event involve coordination between the Quiapo Church, law enforcement, and other government agencies to ensure its sacredness, safety, and orderliness​​​​.

This convergence at Quiapo Church not only signifies the faith and devotion of the Filipino Catholic community but also marks a return to cherished religious traditions after a challenging period of the pandemic. The Traslacion’s revival and the significant attendance at the first Mass of 2024 underscore the resilience and enduring spirituality of the Filipino people.