Marcos hopes Catholic faithful will discover renewed sense of hope on Black Nazarene Feast

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed belief that the Catholic faithful would discover a new sense of hope and purpose amid the observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene. 

Marcos said the Feast of the Black Nazarene is ''a magnificent celebration of the Almighty’s enduring mercy and boundless love bestowed upon everyone.'' 

“Beyond the extraordinary expressions of reverence that we see on display during this event, the festivities show us the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ who willingly offered Himself to make us whole once more,” he said in a message. 

''By working through our struggles and difficulties, we discover our inner strength and resolve, emerging from the pits of darkness and despair with a renewed sense of hope and purpose,” the President added. 

Marcos further urged the faithful to deepen their connection with God and become instruments of peace, unity, and compassion for the Filipinos and the country.

“With our faith guiding our every word and deed, I am certain that we will build a brighter future for our nation and create a world where love, kindness, and harmony reign supreme,” he said.

Part of the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, Traslacion is the procession of the 400-year-old black image of Jesus Christ from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.

The traditional Traslacion was not held over the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Around two million people are expected to join this year's procession. 

The last Traslacion in 2020 recorded an estimated crowd of 3.125 million devotees—2.575 million en route and 550,000 at Quiapo Church.—AOL, GMA Integrated News