Devotees would be able to pray to the image of the Black Nazarene as it is set to return to the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, as part of the annual feast celebration in January next year.

Fr. Earl Allyson Valdez of the Quiapo Church said Wednesday the organizers of the annual religious event have decided to again place the image of the Jesus Christ at the said venue.

“The image of the Nazareno will be displayed at the Quirino Grandstand from January 7 to January 9, 2023 so that the devotees will have enough time to offer prayers,” he said in an article posted on the website of the Archdiocese of Manila.

“The devotees will be allowed to pay homage to Nuestro Padre Hesus Nazareno instead of kissing the image,” he added.

At midnight of Jan. 9, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula will be presiding over the Fiesta Mass at the Quirino Grandstand.

While there will be no grand procession again from the Quirino Grandstand back to the basilica in Quiapo, Valdez said they are preparing for the localized Traslacion, wherein the image of the Black Nazarene will visit various churches in Luzon and the National Capital Region.

“We are currently adjusting the schedule and places that the image of the Black Nazarene will visit,” he added.

The procession and other activities related to the feast day have been suspended since 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. (PNA)