People from all walks of life converge in Quiapo to be united in prayer and faith. They are unique individuals who exhibit distinctive ways of expressing their love for and faith in God. Kneel-walking to the communion rail by some devotees is a common scene in the Quiapo Church. On any day, it is typical to “see a group of devotees walking on their knees from the main door facing Plaza Miranda to the altar” (Yu 12). Some devotees practice kneel-walking from the entrance of the church to the altar. This ritual is common in this particular church as a sign of devotion to the Black Nazarene.

          Rev. Fr. Douglas Badong, the current Parochial Vicar of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene mentioned in an interview that “kneeling from the entrance gate to the altar while praying” is one of the rituals of the devotees.

          Devotees believe that one’s prayer for petition will be answered when he or she practices the ritual of kneel-walking together with a prescribed prayer (novena) to the Black Nazarene or a rosary for a specified period of time. Those people are seen praying while doing the act of kneel-walking. Some of them kneel-walk while praying with their hands lifted as if they were performing an act of surrender. People kneel-walk in Quiapo Church for several reasons like complete submission to God’s mercy and grace, sincerity in praying petitions or intentions, and repentance for sins committed. Cariaso et al., in their study, established that when it comes to kneel-walking in Quiapo, “most participants were women who folded their pants and long dresses so that they could experience the pain involved in such rituals” (qtd. in Yu 13). Struggle and hardship are commonly perceived among those who do kneel-walking. The possibilities in performing one’s faith in rituals like kneel-walking are infinite. Non-performers of such rituals linger to observe from a distance, with admiration or bewilderment on what faith can make people do.

          As Reynaldo (Asian Traveler) observes on the devotees: “Their unwavering faith is the very reason why aggrieved believers still walk on their knees along the aisles of Quiapo Church, why there’s traffic in the area every Friday and why there was no stopping anyone—man or woman— from joining such a perilous procession.”

         The steadfast faith of the devotees is the reason why the offended, the disappointed, and the disgruntled relentlessly walk on their knees along the aisles of

the church of Quiapo. Some devotees in Quiapo will continue to walk on their knees for their faith is unwavering in anticipation of God’s love and mercy.