Devotees gathered in Quiapo, Manila, and nearby areas on Thursday, 2 January, to have their replicas of the “Jesus Nazareno,” also known as the Black Nazarene, blessed under a footbridge near Quiapo Church. The blessing of these replicas and the estandarte is part of the lead-up to the Black Nazarene feast on 9 January. Aram Lascano
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Nazareno replica blessing

Aram Lascano
On Thursday, 2 January, devotees gathered in Quiapo, Manila, and nearby areas to have their replicas of the Black Nazarene blessed under a footbridge near Quiapo Church as part of the lead-up to the feast on 9 January.
Around 30,000 devotees attended this year’s "pabasbas," which translates to the blessing of Nazarene icons.
Papal Nuncio Most Reverend Charles John Brown blessing the replica figures.
Around 30,000 devotees attended this year’s "pabasbas," which translates to the blessing of Nazarene icons.
Around 30,000 devotees attended this year’s "pabasbas," which translates to the blessing of Nazarene icons.
Around 30,000 devotees attended this year’s "pabasbas," which translates to the blessing of Nazarene icons.
Devotees continue to pray inside Quiapo Church.
A priest squeezed a bottle of holy water over the footbridge in Quiapo, Manila, to bless Nazareno replicas on Thursday, 2 January.
Around 30,000 devotees attended this year’s "pabasbas," which translates to the blessing of Nazarene icons.
A boy drops the rosary placed on the miniature Black Nazarene figure while shaking it in an attempt to show support for the idol.
Around 30,000 devotees attended this year’s "pabasbas," which translates to the blessing of Nazarene icons.
Around 30,000 devotees attended this year’s "pabasbas," which translates to the blessing of Nazarene icons.
Around 30,000 devotees attended this year’s "pabasbas," which translates to the blessing of Nazarene icons.
Around 30,000 devotees attended this year’s "pabasbas," which translates to the blessing of Nazarene icons.
“A family that prays together, stays forever.”