Massive religious procession in Philippines leaves one dead, dozens dizzy

Barefoot men and women praying for miracles hurled themselves above mammoth crowds in the Philippines yesterday to touch a religious icon in a frenzied Catholic parade that rescue workers said left one person dead.

Fervent scenes of devotion played out as a life-sized statue of Jesus, called the Black Nazarene, was wheeled through Manila’s narrow streets, home to one of the world’s largest religious events.

Risking life and limb, shoeless men and women chanting “Viva!” (Long Live) sought to touch the icon with white handkerchiefs or towels.

“If family members get sick we would give them sponge baths with it [the towel or handkerchief]. That way we wouldn’t spend money on doctors,” said Dang Villacorta, 36, wife of a Manila office messenger.

Tents mushroomed at a seaside park overnight on Friday as pilgrims, some sprawled on the grass on plastic ground sheets, waited for the parade to begin at daybreak.

“The Nazarene our Lord gave meaning to my life,” said Nino Barbo, a 30-year-old high school dropout with an upper arm tattoo and a metal earring.

The construction worker said he gave up a day’s pay for the sixth year in a row to touch the statue, which many Filipinos believe can heal the sick and bring good luck.