» 01/10/2012 15:09 PHILIPPINES More than 8.5 million Filipino Catholics take part in Nazarene procession in Manila The celebration is held despite fear of attacks. The procession ends after winding its way through the capital’s streets. “Popular devotion was stronger than fear of terrorist threats,” Manila archbishop says.
Manila (AsiaNews) – About 8.5 million Filipino Catholics took part in the ‘Black Nazarene’ procession that ended in Manila’s Quiapo church. Celebrations took place despite government warnings of possible terrorist attacks. Every year, millions of people flock to Manila from all over the country to follow the statue as it is carried for 22 hours through the old streets of the capital. This year, the Archdiocese of Manila sent copies of the Nazarene to the dioceses of Cagayan de Oro, Illigan City and Cotabato (Mindanao) to allow flood victims to organise their own procession.
“This year, popular devotion was stronger because of terrorist threats,” Mgr Antonio Tagle, archbishop of Manila, told AsiaNews. “The organising committee was aware of the danger and in the past few weeks we thought about cancelling the procession. However, many faithful responded to the government’s appeal stressing that fear of possible incidents was nothing compared to Christ’s suffering on the cross. I am convinced that even without our approval, people would have organised the procession anyway.”
Filipinos participate in the celebrations for the Black Nazarene to be closer to Jesus, the prelate explained. “All social classes take part in the procession,” he said, “especially the sick who risk their life in the great mass of people trying to touch the statue in order to obtain a favour. Each year, many people are affected by this show and some convert, especially among the humblest.”
The statue of the Black Nazarene arrived in the Philippines on 31 May 1606 when the first Augustinian missionaries set foot in Manila. Carved in Mexico, it represents the Saviour kneeling under the weight of the cross.
It is believed to be miraculous because it survived the fire that burnt the ship that brought the missionaries to the Philippines.
Over the centuries, the statue survived fires that hit the Quiapo church in 1791 and 1929. It also came through the big earthquakes of 1645 and 1863 as well as World War 2 bombing in 1945. (S.C.)
_0110_-_Processione_Nazareno.jpg)
