Millions join Black Nazarene procession in Manila

Hundreds of thousands of Catholic devotees gathered in Manila on Thursday for the annual Black Nazarene procession, hoping for miracles and divine healing.

The procession, which began at dawn after an open-air mass celebrated by Jose Cardinal Advincula, is anticipated to draw over two million participants from across the Philippines.

During the Mass, Cardinal Advincula emphasized the importance of hope and obedience in faith, stating that as long as there is hope, there is life.

Pilgrims, many barefoot and clad in maroon, jostled to touch or pull the rope attached to the centuries-old statue of Jesus carrying the cross, believing it possesses healing powers.

Devotees expressed personal prayers for the recovery of loved ones from illnesses, emphasizing the sacredness and answered prayers attributed to the Nazarene.

Some faithful also threw white towels to those near the statue's float, hoping to catch blessings by having the towels touch the glass case.

The Church has urged the faithful to stop calling the icon the "Black Nazarene", but many devotees frowned on this viewpoint.