‘Pagpupugay’ begins today

STARTING today, January 7, devotees can pay their respect to the image of Black Nazarene through the “Pagpupugay” at the Quirino Grandstand. 

It will run from January 7 to 10.

“Pagpupugay” replaced the traditional “Pahalik” (kissing of the image of the Black Nazarene) as part of the measures to halt the spread of the COVID-19 infection during the activity. Devotees are only allowed to touch and wipe the image of Black Nazarene during the “Pagpupugay.” 

Masses for devotees will also be offered during the event.

“What will happen is that the only thing that is not allowed to do during the activity is the kissing [of the image],” said Quiapo Church adviser Alex Irasga in Filipino.

“But devotees can touch it or rub their handkerchief on it.”  

Special lanes

According to Irasga, Senior citizens, people with disabilities, and both men and women who want to participate in the “Pagpupugay” will be assigned their own lanes.

During the event, all devotees are required to wear face masks, bring their own hand sanitizers, observe physical distancing, and bring any government-issued identification card in case of emergency.

Volunteers will be stationed in the vicinity to ensure that the minimum public health standards are upheld.

“We have volunteers and ushers at each point of entry, at the image itself, and at the exit point,” said Quiapo Church’s Attached Priest Rev. Fr. Earl Valdez.

“Walk of Faith”

With the customary “traslacion” remaining suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Quiapo Church devotees are instead urged to participate in the procession called “Walk of Faith.”

The Walk of Faith is similar to “traslacion” but without the actual image of the Black Nazarene. The procession will start from the Quirino Grandstand and will end at Quiapo Church.

A blessing will also be conducted at the Plaza Miranda after the activity.

According to Irasga, the procession will begin after the 12-midnight mass and is expected to run for two to three hours.

Devotees are advised not to bring life-sized religious articles of the Black Nazarene and are urged to bring candles instead during the procession.

Only images below two feet are allowed in the Walk of Faith, Irasga said.

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Banner Photo Credit: Quiapo Church