THE organizers of the 2017 Traslacion are looking to use the power of social media to be able to reach millions of Filipinos across the globe, particularly devotees of the Black Nazarene.
Msgr. Hernando Coronel, rector and parish priest of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (more popularly known as Quiapo Church), said they would like to use Facebook Live (FB Live) for the week-long celebration of the feast starting January 9 for Filipinos who are living or working in countries around the world to witness the celebration.
“Susubukan po namin kasi unang pagkakataon ito...kung pwede i-FB Live namin. Kahit ‘yung replica procession at novena procession kung maari...lahat naman ngayon kasi FB live na,” he said in a press briefing Monday for the preparation of the 2017 Traslacion.
Coronel noted that the idea of using the social media for this year's celebration was based on what they have experienced when they allowed live streaming of Simbang Gabi masses last month, where they got millions of comments.
“Milyon milyon…’yung misa namin noong simbang gabi milyon tao, karamihan mga Filipinos all over the world. ‘Yan ang kapangyarihan ni Poong Nazareno. Kahit nasa malayo sila…nagsasabi, nagpapasalamat sa Nazareno,” the Quiapo Church official said.
He added that using social media is not only for Filipinos abroad, but also for those who are in the country but will not be able to attend the activities for some reason.
The January 9 procession will start at the Quirino Grandstand and will end at the Basilica along Quezon Boulevard, Manila.
Millions of Black Nazarene devotees are expected to attend the grand procession.
Last year, some 15 million people took part in the week-long celebration. (FP/Sunnex)