Black Nazarene procession ends after 18 hours

MANILA - Black Nazarene devotees cheered as the image approached Plaza Miranda. Authorities temporarily closed the front gates of Basilica Minore to control the flow of devotees who wanted to get near the Nazarene. When the right time came, the gates were opened and the entry of the carriage went smoothly, ending the procession of the Black Nazarene. Organizers thanked the devotees for the traslacion which lasted for over 18 hours, an hour ahead from last year's 19 hours. The longest recorded Nazarene procession was in 2012 when it reached 22 hours. This year, there was better cooperation between the organizers and devotees. The carriage also had better wheels. Organizers also credited the outcome to the dry runs they conducted and their close coordination with different government agencies However, there were also attempts to mar the procession such as the move of some devotees to divert the procession to its old route. More than 1,600 people were reported to have fallen ill or were injured. In the end, the devotees were exhausted but they believe miracles will come their way because of their sacrifice. For the devotees, this is the best way to show the world the strength of the Filipinos' faith amid the disasters and political turmoils that the country faces. - ANC Headstart, 10 January 2014