MANILA – An official of the Quiapo Church on Tuesday urged devotees or those who will line up for the “pahalik” on the image of Jesus Nazareno at the Quirino Grandstand not to kiss the image to prevent the spread of diseases such as cough and colds.
“We cannot stop the devotees (from kissing the image) since it is part of their ‘panata’ (devotion). But our suggestion is for them to just touch the image and wipe their handkerchief, towel (on the image). Do not kiss it anymore. This is also for hygiene purposes, since it is the season of flu, cough, and colds. We strongly encourage our devotees to just touch the image,” Nazareno 2025 spokesperson Fr. Robert Arellano said in a radio interview.
The “pahalik” is part of the week-long celebration of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno on January 9.
The activity was supposed to start midnight Tuesday but church officials allowed it to begin ahead of schedule on Monday evening due to the long queues of devotees.
Meanwhile, the countdown for the Holy Mass and the start of the annual procession of the Jesus Nazareno is set to begin on Wednesday with the overnight vigil.
Arellano said there would be a band parade, youth programs, and community prayers at the Quirino Grandstand.
Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula will lead the Fiesta Mass at midnight of Thursday.
The overnight vigil will continue after the Holy Mass until before the annual procession or Traslacion which will start early Thursday morning. (PNA)