FOR 69-year-old Lauro Dominguez, the moment of kissing the image of the Black Nazarene once again after three years is nothing short of a blessing. Dominguez, a stroke patient, joined thousands of Nazarene devotees who eagerly lined up at Rizal Park in Manila for the “pahalik” ceremony. This tradition of kissing or touching the venerated statue before it is brought back to the Quiapo church in the Traslacion procession had been interrupted for three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent prohibition of large gatherings.
However, this year, the religious activity has been revived, and authorities expect close to a million faithful to attend its return. The “pahalik” began on Saturday, with 20,600 people paying homage to the Nazarene’s image, which was placed in a viewing chamber at the Quirino Grandstand. By Monday afternoon, the number of devotees had swelled to 44,710, marking the final day before the Traslacion.
To ensure the smooth flow of the long stream of devotees, only a few seconds are allowed for each person to kiss the statue’s feet or wipe them with a handkerchief. Lauro Dominguez expressed his happiness at the revival of the “pahalik” ceremony, saying, “This is what we really desire. We were very glad to see Him again.” After touching the image, he felt a sense of warmth and remarked, “My body seems to be fine. I haven’t touched Him for a long time.” Despite his disability, Dominguez has been a devoted follower of the Black Nazarene for over 50 years and makes it a point to attend the ritual to fulfill his vow.
The devotion to the Black Nazarene extends beyond Manila, as demonstrated by the journey of a family of five street dwellers from Marilao, Bulacan, who came to participate in the “pahalik.” Sorlita Cubing, who has been suffering from depression due to their situation, expressed their wishes for a better future for their children and for her mental illness to be healed. Cubing, together with her husband Michael Abualdo and their three children, ages 13, 10, and 5, kissed the image with hope in their hearts.
The event also saw the presence of senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women, who patiently waited in line under the scorching afternoon sun. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Hijos del Nazareno provided wheelchairs and first aid stations for distressed devotees.
The Traslacion procession this year will follow the same route as in 2020, the last time it was held. Starting at 5 a.m., the procession will pass through various streets, including Katigbak, Padre Burgos, Finance Road, Palanca, Arlegui, Fraternal, Vergara, Duque de Alba, Castillejos, Farnecio, Nepomuceno, Concepcion Aguila, Carcer, Hidalgo, Bilibid Viejo, Gil Puyat, and J.P. de Guzman Streets. It will then pass under the Quezon Bridge and Villalobos Street before culminating at Plaza Miranda.
To mark the occasion, a grand fiesta mass will be held at midnight on January 9, presided over by Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula at the Quirino Grandstand. Following the mass, vigil masses will be held every hour from 1 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Quiapo Church. The image of the Black Nazarene will be placed in a fiberglass box on top of the andas, the carriage that will be pulled by rope by the Hijos del Nazareno.
Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan reminded the public that climbing up the carriage will not be allowed this year, ensuring the safety and orderliness of the event. As devotees eagerly await the Traslacion, the revival of the “pahalik” ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring faith and devotion of the Black Nazarene’s followers, who come from all walks of life to seek blessings and healing.
Source: The Manila Times
