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MANILA (Reuters) – Hundreds of thousands of barefoot worshipers took part in the Philippines’ annual procession to a centuries-old statue of Jesus Christ on Thursday in one of the world’s most spectacular displays. of devotion and expression of the Catholic faith.
Filipinos turned the streets of Manila into a sea of maroon and gold and filled the “Black Nazarene”, a life-size statue of Jesus Christ taking down the cross, as worshipers clamored for a chance to pull the tightrope. that pulls a cart. The capital of the Philippines.
Parade organizers estimated that around 220,000 people went to mass before the parade, while 94,500 were on the march as of 8am (0000 GMT). That number is expected to increase as it travels its 5.8 km (3.6 mile) route.
Some worshipers threw white towels at the image while the mareshas wiped them on it, believing that touching the statue would bless them and cure their illnesses.
About 80% of Filipinos call themselves Roman Catholic, an important legacy of the Spanish colonial rule in the Philippine archipelago for over 300 years.
Filipino pastor and theologian Sabino Vengco said in 2019 that the venerable black color of the statue was due to the mesquite wood used to make the statue, debunking the old myth that its image the black one was caused by a fire that broke out on the ship that was taking it to the ship. The Philippines originated in Mexico in the early 17th century.
The procession, called “traslacion”, or translation, commemorates the transfer of the Black Nazarene from the church inside the old Spanish capital of Intramuros to its current location in the Quiapo church.
Cardinal Jose Advincula, the archbishop of Manila, told worshipers on Thursday to turn away from wickedness, greed and wickedness and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“Let us live his orders, accept his teachings and follow his example. It is better to follow the Dear Lord,” Advincula said to his family before the procession.