President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday urged devout Filipino Catholics to discover their inner strength and new sense of hope and purpose through the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

In a statement issued on the eve of the Traslación or the Nazarene procession, Marcos urged Filipinos to strengthen their relationship with God and serve as agents of harmony, compassion, and peace for the country.

"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," Marcos said.

"By working through our struggles and difficulties, we discover our inner strengths and resolve, emerging from the pits of darkness and despair with a renewed sense of hope and purpose," he said.

According to the President, the Feast of the Black Nazarene is a beautiful celebration of the unending love and mercy that the Almighty has shown to everyone.

"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.

Marcos proclaimed Tuesday, 9 January, a special non-working day in the City of Manila in honor of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Proclamation No. 434, which Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed on 4 January, contained the holiday declaration.

"It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Manila be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration," the proclamation read.

Millions of devout Catholics will gather to watch and follow the procession of the Black Nazarene as the centuries-old icon of a blackened Christ will be paraded from the Quirino Grandstand at the Luneta  to the Quiapo Church in downtown Manila.

Some of the devotees will try to climb on the float to wipe a towel or handkerchief on the statue, an act that they believe will bring healing and blessings.

This year's procession is the first after the Covid-19 pandemic shut it down the last three years.