Regional News

Advocates PH

October 29, 2020

Quiapo Church Calls Off ‘Pahalik,’ Will Hold ‘Patanaw’ Instead

Quiapo Church has called off the “Pahalik” or traditional kissing of the revered image of the Black Nazarene over the COVID-19 pandemic.

Church rector Msgr. Hernando Coronel said they will replace the “Pahalik” tradition with “Pagtanaw” or viewing of the statue from a distance.

“The pilgrim image of the Nazarene will be brought up to the balcony of the church fronting Plaza Miranda two weeks before the actual Feast Day,” Coronel said.

“It will be on display for two weeks so people will have more time to venerate,” he added, stressing that some adjustments have to be made as safety precautions against COVID-19.

This came after Traslacion was also cancelled -- the first cancellation in over 200 years.

The “Pahalik” is usually held at the Quirino Grandstand a day before the procession of the Black Nazarene to the Quiapo Church.

The Manila government earlier announced the cancellation of the procession that was to happen January 9 next year, which is usually attended by millions of devotees.

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