Manila, Philippines
Every January 9, a life-sized statue of Christ is carried into the streets for procession in a shoulder-bourne carriage known to devotees as the andas. It starts at 8am from the Quirino Grandstand (Luneta) to its present shrine in Quiapo church. At least 3 million barefooted devotees yelling "Viva Señor" risked life and limb just to wipe the wooden statue with their white towels or touch the Nazarene's hand.
This year was the longest Feast of Black Nazarene. After 22 hours, the Nazarene was brought back to Quiapo Church even with a broken wheels. This shows how deep the devotees faith on the Black Nazarene.
There was a short but interesting feature on the origin of the Black Nazarene. The statue was made by a carpenter in Acapulco, Mexico in 1607. It was called Padre Nuestro Nazareno. It was being brought to the Philippines on a galleon. During the long journey, fire broke out. Miraculously, the Nazarene was not damaged but its skin had turned black. It was brought to the Quiapo church from the Luneta (Rizal Park) on January 9 (no year was mentioned). Many have reported getting cured after touching the statue.
The Desciple
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