Devotees flock to Quiapo Church to attend their first Mass of 2024

Thousands of Filipinos went to Quiapo Church in Manila on Monday to hear their first Mass of the new year.

According to Tina Panganiban-Perez's report on 24 Oras, authorities said that each Mass celebrated by the church today drew 1,000 to 3,000 attendees, resulting in many of the faithful having to remain outside the building for the service. They spilled out into surrounding areas, occupying the section of Quezon Boulevard outside the church and Plaza Miranda as well.

Police said no "untoward incidents" have been monitored, but cautioned visitors to watch their children and their belongings, and not to bring anything that could be considered a weapon.

Quiapo Church is the home of the revered Black Nazarene, and is preparing for its feast day on January 9, when the Traslacion or procession will be held for the first time after a years-long hiatus due to the pandemic.

The church earlier released the route for the Translacion, which is expected to draw millions of devotees from all over the country. — BM, GMA Integrated News