Redaccion
A few days before the first Friday of March, hundreds of devotees have been queuing for days in the vicinity of the Basílica de Jesús de Medinaceli in Madrid, to participate in the traditional kissing of the venerated image.
On the upcoming 7th of March, the doors of the temple will open to welcome thousands of faithful who wish to kiss the feet of the image, which will descend from its shrine that day. For many Madrileños, this appointment is unavoidable, and some even defy the low temperatures of February to secure a place in line.
«Jesus protects us»
Toñi is one of those devotees. Since February 18th, this neighbor from Fuenlabrada has been sleeping outdoors in the hope of being among the first to enter the Basilica. «Jesus protects us,» she affirms, convinced that the sacrifice is worth it.
Tradition dictates that when kissing the feet of the image, three requests can be made. Toñi is very clear about hers: «That my ex gets prosthetics because they have amputated both of his legs, and that an elevator is installed in my house.»
The Basílica de Jesús de Medinaceli unveils its newly restored organ and you can sponsor it
For her, the first Friday of March is a special day. «Everything I have asked for has been granted, it has never failed me,» she assures. That’s why she returns every year, well bundled up and willing to endure the inclement weather.
Faith and endurance
Alongside the faithful, you can see blankets, chairs, and other basic items to endure the wait. A nearby bar allows them to freshen up during the days they spend outdoors.
The kissing of the feet of Jesus de Medinaceli is one of the most deeply rooted religious traditions in Madrid, and year after year, the devotion of the faithful demonstrates that neither the cold nor the long waits can extinguish faith.
