Quiapo Church

The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene known canonically as the Parish of Saint John the Baptist also known as Quiapo Church.

Address: Plaza Miranda, Quiapo, Manila, Quiapo, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila

Quiapo Church, located at Plaza Miranda along Quezon Boulevard, Manila, is home to the 17th century life-sized image of the Black Nazarene. Many Filipinos have a devotion to the Black Nazarene. Many experienced the miraculous healings and answered prayers of the Lord of the Black Nazarene.

Quiapo Church is a center for pilgrimage of Filipinos from all over. Those who come to Manila would pay their respects to the Black Nazarene. Everyday there are hourly Masses and Confessions. Fridays is the Day of the Lord of the Black Nazarene and the Church becomes filled with devotees. There are regular talks and recollections in the Church as well as processions, novenas and social services for the poor.

The Pilgrim Image of the Black Nazarene visits Churches in the Philippines and helps in the projects of these Churches. Quiapo Church also assists other dioceses, institutions and parishes in need.

On January 9, a multitude if bare-footed devotees, most of whom are men, join the procession as an expression of both supplication and gratitude. Riding on the andas or carroza, pulled by two 50-meter abaca ropes, the Nazarene is brought to various barangays in the Quiapo District. The procession – that usually lasts between five to twenty-three hours- is likewise held during Good Friday, on the first day of the year, and on the Sunday before Passion Sunday for the District-wide Way of the Cross.

Why is NAZARENO BLACK?

Monsignor Sabino A. Vengco, Jr. from Loyola School of Theology meanwhile noted that the image was not charred but in fact dark through to its core, as it was carved from mesquite wood. Msgr. Vengco based this claim on personal research in Mexico, where he said the wood was a popular medium in the period the statue was carved, and likened it to Our Lady of Antipolo, of similar provenance and appearance.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/quiapochurch/about/