Following a midnight mass at the Quirino Grandstand presided over by Fr. Rufino Sescon, the walk started toward the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, also known as the Quiapo Church.
The walk started at 1:30 a.m. and ended around 4 a.m.
The image of the Black Nazarene remained at the grandstand while devotees, while praying or singing worship songs, carried statues of the Nazareno, photos and candles.
The Walk of Faith was held as part of the traditional Traslacion, a procession of the Black Nazarene image to commemorate its replica’s transfer from Intramuros to the Quiapo Church in 1767.
The holding of Traslacion had been cancelled since 2020 due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Manila Police District Director Police Brigadier General Andre Dizon said activities related to the Feast of the Black Nazarene have so far been orderly and peaceful.
He said police deployment and security operations for the maintenance of the situation amid the occasion will continue.
Nazareno 2023 started with novena masses on December 31, 2022. It will last until January 9, where Cardinal Jose Advincula will lead a mass to be held at 12:01 a.m.
Meanwhile, as of 7 a.m. Sunday, the Philippine Red Cross said it has provided medical care to 99 individuals who joined the walk. (SunStar Philippines)