Quiapo church rector discourages physical attendance to Mass for Feast of Black Nazarene

It would be better for devotees to participate in online Masses or in their local churches as they celebrate the upcoming Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9,  Monsignor Hernando Coronel, rector of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene said Friday.

"Dini-discourage po namin na pumunta kayo sa simbahan ng Quiapo sapagkat nasa pandemic tayo," Coronel said during an online forum of the Department of Health.

Alternative practices to be observed were introduced for the safety of those who would still opt to participate physically.

READ: Alternative practices for the upcoming feast of the Black Nazarene amid the COVID-19 pandemic. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/Xa2RKF8hqt

— Dona Magsino (@donamagsino) January 8, 2021

"Sa halip po na pahalik, gaganapin natin ang pagtanaw. Ilalagay lamang ang imahe ng Poong Nazareno sa altar. Tatanawin na lamang natin at doon natin hihingin ang biyaya," one of Coronel's team said.

"Kung dati sanay tayo ng pagpapasan, ang ating sakripisyo ay ginaganap natin sa pagpapasan, ngayon hinihiling po natin na ang sakripisyong gawin ay ang karampatang paghahanay," he added, referring to proper physical distancing.

Quiapo Church can only accommodate 400 people per Mass in compliance with the IATF rules.

Other churches in the vicinity—San Sebastian Church, Nazarene Catholic School, Sta. Cruz Parish Church—will also hold Masses throughout the day to avoid congestion.

Manila Police District chief Police Brigadier General Leo Francisco earlier warned of possible arrests if devotees would not follow health and safety protocols.—AOL, GMA News