Devotees continued to gather at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Poong Nazareno in Quiapo, Manila, ahead of the scheduled blessing of replica images on Sunday afternoon.

From early dawn on Saturday, long lines formed outside and around Quiapo Church as devotees arrived from various parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Many carried replica images symbolizing their faith, personal vows, and thanksgiving for prayers they believe were answered.

Church officials said the blessing of replica images is a regular religious activity leading up to the Traslacion and remains a deeply personal expression of devotion for many worshippers.

Preparations included clearly marked queuing routes, separate entry and exit points, and the deployment of church marshals and volunteers to guide devotees and maintain order.

The church coordinated with the Manila local government, police, and other agencies to ensure safety and crowd management, especially as the number of participants was expected to increase closer to the scheduled 1:30 p.m. blessing.

For devotees such as Ramoncito Pangan of Pasig City, who has been devoted to the Nazareno for more than 15 years, the ritual serves as a reminder of lessons learned through faith, including forgiveness and compassion.

Teodorico Mansueto, who traveled from Lipa, Batangas, said his decade-long devotion centers on gratitude and perseverance inspired by the dark-complexioned icon.

The image of Jesus Poong Nazareno is believed to have been brought to the Philippines from Mexico in the early 17th century by Spanish missionaries.

Carved from dark mesquite wood, the statue’s distinctive color has been attributed either to age or to legend.

One popular account holds that the image darkened after surviving a fire aboard the ship that carried it to Manila.