Manila, Philippines, Jan 10, 2008 / 06:37 am
Filipinos celebrated the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Wednesday, centering their veneration around a black statue of Jesus, that many believe has miraculous capabilities.
2.2 million devotees seeking blessings and atonement from sins packed the streets around Quiapo church, which hosts the life-sized wooden statue. Two died and dozens were injured in the press of the crowd, Inquirer.net reports
Spanish missionaries brought the statue to the nation from Mexico in 1606. Their ship caught fire, and though flames darkened the statue it survived the blaze.
Many devotees believe the statue has miraculous healing power and can wash away sins.