Thousands of devotees flocked to the Quiapo Church for the annual blessing of replicas and standards of Jesus Nazareno on January 3. The faithful carried the various sizes of the image as a symbol of their faith, vows, and gratitude.
Among those in attendance was 8-year-old Dwayne Anthony Delos Santos from Sampaloc, Manila, who brought his collection of small religious images to be blessed. According to his father, he has been brought to Quiapo since birth, and is considered a miracle after overcoming complications during his mother's pregnancy.
Devotees who traveled alone were also not left behind, like Noel Vera from Pasig, who prayed emotionally and dedicated his life to Mahal na Poong Jesus Nazareno. According to the church, the replicas are a sign of prayers answered and blessings received. Up to 3,228 replicas were blessed before the activity ended at around 7:55 p.m..
