Devotees gather at Quirino Grandstand on eve of the Santo Nino's feast day

  (UPDATED) -- Thousands of devotees of the Black Nazarene flocked to the Quirino Grandstand Monday night, as the eve of the Feast of Santo Nino unfolds. 

It is here where the traditional weekly Family Appointment with El Shaddai on the weekend feast of Santo Nino.

The Manila Police District monitored a crowd of about 3,000 by around 6:00 p.m., with a total of 53,810 since the Pagpupugay commenced on January 16 at 7:00 p.m.

 

Devotees from various parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces have gathered here, with some planning to stay overnight for the vigil.

Devotees spent nearly five hours in line for a chance to touch the sacred image, and shared experiences on their dedication to the Nazareno.

 

The gathering reflects the diverse and devoted following of the Black Nazarene, with each devotee carrying their personal stories of miraculous events with the revered image.

 

Eleanor Avendaño came with her 34-year old replica. According to her, the image helped heal her husband of bone cancer even for a brief time. She was emotional when she told the story.

 

"Sabi ko sa kanya sa Nazareno kung ibibigay nyo ang aking asawa, hwag nyo na siya pahirapan. Pero kung kukunin nya na, kunin nya na. Pero after that sabi ng doctor is miracle na lang. Pero thank God, nabuhay po siya," she said.

 

Imelinda Javier, meanwhile, recalled how her 18-year old Black Nazarene saved her from an accident.

 

"Itong aking kauna-unahan nadisgrasya na kami mag asawa sa Lagusnilad. Umano motor namin pero awa ng Diyos nakatayo pa rin kami," she said.

 

A mass at 7 PM marked the beginning of the vigil, with the ABS-CBN Foundation Lingkod Kapamilya providing assistance and distributing food to the devotees.

At 4:30 a.m. of Sunday a Misa Mayor will be presided over by His Eminence Jose Cardinal Advincula Jr., followed by the continuation of the program with a morning mass presided by participating bishops followed by the January 1 to 31 birthday, sacerdotal anniversary and wedding anniversary celebrants thank offering salo-salo, the helicopter dropping of miracle vision souvenirs with Christmas carols by the El Shaddai Gospel Music Ministry, motorcade of images of saints and the Closing Mass of the 39th World Youth Day presided by Pope Francis.

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