'Traslacion' continues after brief pause in San Sebastian Church

During the 24th hour mark of the Traslacion, Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno Rector Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan announced the temporary pause of the procession.

Licuanan suggested that the Traslacion of the image of Jesus Nazareno might end at San Sebastian Church to temporarily "stay with Mary."

The priest said that would have been historic departure from centuries-old procession.

"Nais ko pong hingin ang inyong pang-unawa na nais natin ang Poong Nazareno na manatili muna sa piling ng kanyang Ina kahit sandali lamang. After 10 years atin pong matutunghayan ang pananahan ng anak na Hesus sa kanyang minamahal na Ina (I would like to ask for your understanding, we wish that Jesus Nazareno stay briefly with his Mother. After 10 years, we will be able to witness the abode of the son Jesus with his Mother)," Licuanan said, noting that this year marks the 10 "Dungaw" since its revival in 2014.

The priest also cited everyone's exhaustion as the Traslacion has been going on for more than 24 hours already.

"Nung huli po naming pagpupulong sa simbahan, ang atin pong mga doktor ay hindi na rin po kaya. Ang mga nurses, ang mga health workers, and mga quick responders. Dahil nga naman 24, 25 hours na silang tinitingnan ang ating may sakit (During our last meeting at the church, the doctors said they couldn't do it anymore. Even the nurses, the health workers, and quick responders. Because they have been looking after our sick and hurt devotees for 24, 25 hours)," Licuanan explained.

"Magiging tapat na po ako sa inyo, marami na pong nasaktan (I will also be honest, there were a lot of devotees who also got injured)," he added.

However, the plan was quickly reversed after devotees blocked the entry of the image into the church.

"Ninanais po ng mga deboto na tapusin ang prusisyon. Ito rin po ang para sa ikinabubuti ng mas nakararami (Devotees wanted to finish the procession. This is for the good of the majority)," Rev. Fr. Hector Gonzales, parish priest of the Basilica of San Sebastian, confirmed in a radio interview.

The Traslacion resumed around 5:00 a.m.