The devotion to this image of Christ is deeply rooted in Totana and, according to the chronicles, it has been celebrated since the arrival of the Capuchin friars in our city, in the 19th century.
The older totaneros, remember that their grandparents told them that during this day, before going to work, a large number of neighbors went to the Parish of the Three Hail Marys, -from all points of the Municipality-, to visit and pray before the Image of the Christ of Medinaceli and to fulfill the traditional rite of the besapié.
Although for this year the rite of the besapié will be replaced by the inclination of the head, as a preventive measure, before the social alarm that is causing the well-known coronavirus.
So far, the health authorities have not established any specific protocol of action, given the disease that can cause this virus.
But as a precaution, since the Bishopric of our Diocese, some recommendations have been published: "in order to the prudence and the concern that in many faithful exists for fear of contagion".
The Christ of Medinaceli, -or Our Father Jesus of Medinaceli-, is an image of Jesus of Nazareth that evokes the moment of his Passion, when Pontius Pilate presents him to the people, on the first Good Friday in history.
According to the centenary Totanera tradition, before the image of Jesus of Medinaceli, the devotees pray three Creeds, and present the three desires that they most want Jesus to grant them.
Photos: Totana.com
Text: Diego Jesús Romera
