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NAZARENO 2024 MEDIA CONFERENCE

Mar. 17, 2024 02:38 PM

Nazareno 2024 media press conference with Manila Mayor Shiela Lacuna-Pangan and other interagency partners at the 5th floor of Pope Benedict XVI building, Quiapo Church, on January 4, 2024. Photo by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church

QUIAPO, MANILA – The Nazareno 2024 Media Conference at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno on January 4, 2024 is attended by 54 accredited media partners on the 5th level of Pope Benedict XVI Building, Quiapo Church: GMA Network, ABS-CBN Network, TV5, CNN PH, PTV4, TV Maria, Radio Veritas 846, RCAM-AOC, CBCP News, MCP-Jollibee, Philippine Star, DWWW, European Photo Agency, Radio Uno, DZME, PNA, RMN DZXL 558 News, Teleradyo 630, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Getty Images, Inquirer.Net, DZBB Teleradyo, Malaya Manila Standard, Abante Teletabloid, Xinhua News Agency, LiCas News, The Parañaque Cathedral Social Communication, AFP, DZRH Radio, TV, and Online Bombo Radyo Philippines, Vera Files Photog, Phil. News Agency, The Manila Times, Abante, Philippine Star, Manila Times, Republic Asia, Associated Press (AP), Al Jazeera, Rappler, REMATE Online, Reuters, Business Mirror, Benar News Philippines, EWTN Asia Pacific, Radyo Pilipinas, One Ph, DZWIZ News, Pinoy Weekly, PCP, Manila City Plaza-JB, and IBC 13.

Several media press (first row from left to right) & resource persons, Rev. Fr. Rufino C. Sescon Jr., Manila City Mayor Maria Lacuna-Pangan and P.Col. Arnold Thomas Ibay during the Nazareno 2024 conference (second row from left to right). Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church

Rev. Fr. Rufino Sescon, Jr., rector and parish priest, Hon. Maria Lacuna-Pangan, the City Mayor of Manila, P.Col. Arnold Thomas Ibay, the Manila Police District Director, and Dr. Bernadette Velasco, M.D., the Director of the Department of Health, are the main resource persons at this media conference for the Nazareno 2024 celebration.

The Nazareno 2024 program highlights the primary goals of the event: 1) solemn, 2) safe, and 3) orderly, aiming for a well-organized and peaceful event in all three operational areas. 1) Quiapo Church, 2) Luneta Grandstand, and 3) Procession Route. Furthermore, Mayor Lacuna-Pangan, a medical doctor by profession, urges devotees to wear facemasks and practice social distancing during mass and the traditional ‘pahalik’ to the very image of the Nazareno.

Manila Mayor Lacuna-Pangan explains on the modifications introduced for the return of Traslacion procession highlighting the newly-modelled ‘andas’ (left) and Rev. Fr. Sescon Jr. giving his final remarks centered on full collaboration and praying together for the success of Nazareno 2024 celebration (right). Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church

The main focus of the media conference is the revival of the traditional Traslacion practice from the 17th to 19th century, where only the image of the Black Nazarene was displayed on the ‘andas‘ (carriage). Fr. Secon referred to this as “Pagpapanumbalik” (revival) instead of “Pagbabago” (changes) because of the disarrayed version of Traslacion, that only took place in the more recent decades. Therefore, during the Nazareno 2024 celebration, only a few authorized Hijos del Nazareno are allowed to get close or to get on board the andas to safeguard the image during the procession.

Fr. Sescon Jr., in his final remarks, emphasizes the importance of portraying the Hijos del Nazareno in a positive light due to their genuine cooperation in ensuring an orderly celebration. He urges everyone to collaborate and pray together because it is possible that not just genuine devotees would be present. During the three-year pandemic, the Quiapo church took time to rest and reflect on the need for a significant ‘reset’ in the very expression of one’s devotion to Jesus Nazareno.

– Alfrein O. Quirionez | ADRM & EIAM