Millions of Catholics in the Philippines paid tribute in a giant procession to one of their largest shrines: the Black Nazarene, a life-size statue of Jesus. Since early morning, a crowd of people, many of them barefoot, had been walking through the capital Manila to accompany the statue on its way through the mega-metropolis.
Many Filipinos believe that the 400-year-old figure can perform miracles. The mega event traditionally takes place on January 9.
More than 15,000 security personnel were tasked with maintaining order during the event, which lasted for many hours. The Southeast Asian island nation, together with tiny East Timor, is the only country in Asia where Catholics are in the majority. More than 80 percent are Catholic.
Two days before the Traslacion, as the procession is called in the Philippines, the Black Nazarene was displayed on a platform so that the faithful could pay their respects and kiss him. During a huge procession, the statue is then carried back along a 6.5 kilometer route to its actual location in the Quiapo Church on Plaza Miranda.
Participant: “Thanks to ‘Senor Nazareno’ I am alive”
Jovita De Jesus traveled with her family and friends from Malolos town in Bulacan province, north of Manila. The 61-year-old told the German news agency that she owes her life to the Black Nazarene and continues to pray for the health of her family and herself. “I have had five operations – I lost a kidney, my appendix burst, I have no ovaries anymore and I had surgery on my intestines and eyes. But thanks to ‘Senor Nazareno’ I am still alive,” she emphasized.
Last year the procession lasted about 15 hours. More than six million people took part in the parade, as well as in masses and vigils in honor of the Black Nazarene. Authorities expected a similar number of participants this year.
Legend has it that the wooden figure was brought from Mexico to Manila by Spanish missionaries in 1606 and survived a ship fire. She was then given the name Black Nazarene because of her dark coloration. The procession commemorates how the figure was brought to the church in the Quiapo district in the 18th century.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
