Nazarene replica eyed for future traslacion

Quiapo Church officials are considering replacing the original 400-year-old wooden image of the Black Nazarene with a replica for future traslacion or processions.

- EVELYN MACAIRAN

Church rector Fr. Rufino Sescon Jr. said the original image had sustained cracks over the years.

Officials separated the parts of the image in the 1990s to prevent further damage.

"When the priest (at that time) saw that there were cracks in the head of the image, they decided to separate the parts," he said.

The image's original hands have long been in storage since these have been damaged.

The original body, including the feet, is still used for the traslacion, which is held during the Black Nazarene's feast day on Jan. 9, Sescon said.

The image's original head is kept at the altar of the church, also known as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazarene. The cracks in the head have been repaired, but Sescon said "since the image is already old, we cannot say the effect if it would have to bear the brunt of other impacts, it could worsen its condition. (There are cracks) found in different parts of the image."