MANILA, Philippines — An estimated 1.8 million Catholic faithful, many of whom participated barefoot, took part in a vibrant procession on Thursday that celebrated a long-standing tradition honoring a centuries-old black statue of Jesus. Many worshippers expressed their prayers for family health, a resolution to the ongoing disputes in the South China Sea, and for a more compassionate approach towards Filipino immigrants from incoming U.S. President Donald Trump.
The event, which commemorates the feast day of Jesus Nazareno, represents one of the largest annual Catholic gatherings in Asia. The statue, previously referred to as the Black Nazarene, has had its name changed following requests from church authorities to eliminate any associations with racial implications, emphasizing its historical significance instead.
The procession commenced in Manila before sunrise, with initial estimates of approximately 250,000 participants. By the afternoon, the crowd grew significantly as devotees made their pilgrimage toward the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, also known as Quiapo Church. Police reported that the number of participants swelled to around 1.8 million in the afternoon, and expectations were that it could climb higher. In contrast, last year’s event saw attendance rates from 2 million up to an estimated 6 million.
Reverend Father Robert Arellano, spokesperson for Quiapo Church, noted that this year’s procession moved at a slower pace compared to the previous year, attributing it to the increased number of participants and some devotees attempting to climb the glass-covered carriage that bears the statue.
As the statue made its way through the crowds, shouts of “Viva, viva” echoed, with participants pulling at ropes connected to the carriage and waving white towels in celebration. The procession is traditionally marked by huge crowds of impoverished Catholics seeking prayer for healing and a better existence.
Among the attendees was Gaspar Espinocilla, a 56-year-old city worker from Manila, who has been a devotee of Jesus Nazareno for two decades. He shared that he was praying for his family, particularly for his sister battling ovarian cancer. Additionally, he prayed for a de-escalation of tensions in the West Philippine Sea, a contested area within the South China Sea where they face harassment from Chinese authorities.
“I hope China will ease up on us, they cannot seize everything as theirs,” said Gaspar, dressed in a maroon T-shirt featuring the image of Jesus Nazareno. “It is ours, not theirs.”
Renato Reyes, a garbage collector and devotee for over 30 years, expressed his hopes for a better future for his family, disaster-free living conditions for the Philippines, and the cessation of global conflicts. He included in his prayers those Filipinos who might be impacted by Trump’s proposed mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. “I hope they will not implement that because our countrymen are there just to earn a living for their families,” he added.
Authorities reported the deployment of around 14,000 police officers, along with military personnel, firefighters, and volunteers to manage the event. Several roads surrounding the area were closed off, and cell phone signals were disrupted to ensure safety.
Although many participants engaged actively, some required medical attention. More than a dozen were seen being transported on stretchers, with the Philippine Red Cross providing first aid to 467 individuals for complaints primarily involving dizziness, difficulty breathing, and nausea. At least 15 people were hospitalized due to various conditions.
The statue of Jesus carrying the cross was brought to the Philippines in 1606 by Spanish missionaries from Mexico via a galleon. Legends told about the ship catching fire, yet the burned statue survived. However, church historians believe its darkened appearance is due to it being sculpted from mesquite wood, which darkens over time. Many devotees regard the statue’s incredible survival through fires, earthquakes, and intense bombings during World War II as a sign of its miraculous qualities.
