LOOK: Black Nazarene visits Ilocos Norte

The image of the Black Nazarene received a warm welcome from devotees in Northern Luzon as it was brought to Ilocos Norte for a visit.

Devotees welcomed the image, who they believe to have miraculous powers, early Wednesday, in Laoag City, GMA Ilocos' Mark Masudog reported.

A photo posted by Masudog on Instagram showed the devotees crowding around the image of the Black Nazarene at St. William's Cathedral (Laoag Cathedral).

 

Bless us oh Dear, Black Nazarene.
 

A photo posted by Mark Masudog (@markmasudog) on



Mar 24, 2015 at 3:56pm PDT

The devotees lined the streets as early as 3 a.m. to wait and get a glimpse of the image, which is expected to remain in Ilocos until this weekend.

When the image passed by them, they tried to wipe its face with their handkerchiefs.

Upon reaching the Laoag Cathedral, a Mass was held in the patron's honor.



Local church officials said the visit aims to show Christ's solidarity with the poor as 2015 has been dubbed the Year of the Poor.

Security was tight around the cathedral to ensure the safety not only of the image but also of devotees.

For their part, local vendors sold Nazarene-themed souvenirs and replicas of the image. Some of the vendors said they had made a vow to follow the image wherever it went.

"Every day na nagbebenta ako ng sampaguita at mula nang linagyan ko siya  mas marami na ang nabebenta ko, nabebenta ko na lahat ng sampaguita," said devotee Elizabeth Marcos.

On Tuesday, Masudog reported on "24 Oras Ilokano" that local police also readied security and tapped the help of barangay tanods.

City information officer Ramon Formantes advised devotees to be ready with their white handkerchiefs or white towels. — Joel Locsin/BM, GMA News