"Fuera Pandemia! Viva Jesus Nazareno!"
As for the devotee, it is their faith that seriously matters most that sometimes even at the expense of their well-being.
Especially that amidst this ever-prevailing COVID19 pandemic, the devotees of the Black Nazarene remains true in their belief as they visit the shrine at Quiapo, Manila last Friday and Saturday, disregarding the procedures both given by the Church and the local authorities, bringing serious concern by people after seeing pictures in social media.
Yes, it is quite concerning for knowing that even in this pandemic and its risks there are those who rather chose to pursue still their devotions. "A centuries-old tradition" as one may say, enough to justify bending advisories or the law itself just to express their faith with their wishes carrying in it.
But to think that this happens to be in the middle of a serious concern, that there was no “Traslacion” happened, that everything was scaled down, and most of the faithful who trying to continue with their yearly devotion had to wear face masks ranging from flimsy pieces of clothing to the usual blue surgical type; and with their faceshields that mostly on their heads and not actually on their faces, while some rather chose not to as if disregarding the risks. Yet, to think that there are those who chose to bent advisories, of those really insist “tradition” over those of the risks, they did traverse on barefoot the streets of Quiapo just to reach their place of devotion and the relic they cherished.
All these would say expressed deep concern that even the faithful themselves speak about this. Yes, there was no Traslacion as the event itself all but scaled down, yet thousands still gathered to Quiapo just to hear mass with 400 people allowed to enter the Church proper for the relic itself; and wouldn’t be surprised to see some disregarding the advisories all because of their “traditions” they carried through- most of with, again, driven by desperation with the yearning for removing various obstacles especially in this time of pandemic.
And to think that with scenes has shown mixed reactions, authorities like the Department of Health reported crowds of devotees wanting to enter the church premises for their vows, citing pictures to prove the need for control- that includes reiterating its call for devotees to "opt for the virtual masses" as an alternative from visiting Quiapo, citing possible COVID19 risk. On other hand, local authorities, and organisers described the event as "peaceful" citing devotees themselves patiently lining up outside of the church for the mass, with authorities ensuring strict implementation from outside the church up until roads like Quezon boulevard and Espana.
But this doesn't stop the devotee from pursuing their faith. Irresponsible perhaps, but for a devotee whose turning to faith as a response to their usual situations (such as uncertainty and injustice), then nevermind the angry crowd, the authorities, nor the risks brought by COVID19 as they will keep on praying for God for help and salvation; trying to find their own solace as possible inside if not braving the crowd just to reach the Lord of Pardon that is, Jesus Christ himself.