Devotees queue up to kiss, touch, and wipe the Jesus Nazareno image while whispering their prayers at the start of the 鈥減ahalik鈥� at Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Tuesday (Jan. 7, 2025). | PNA photo by Yancy Lim
MANILA 鈥� An official of the Quiapo Church on Tuesday urged devotees or those who will line up for the 鈥減ahalik鈥� 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.
鈥淲e cannot stop the devotees (from kissing the image) since it is part of their 鈥榩anata鈥� (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,鈥� Nazareno 2025 spokesperson Fr. Robert Arellano said in a radio interview.
The 鈥減ahalik鈥� is part of the week-long celebration of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno on Jan. 9.
READ: Nazareno 2025: First day of 鈥榩ahalik鈥� draws over 9,000 devotees
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 on Thursday.
The overnight vigil will continue after the Holy Mass until before the annual procession or Traslacion which will start early Thursday morning.