One dead as Filipinos gather for Black Nazarene

By Roy Ramos

ZAMBOANGA CITY

One person died and around 800 others were treated for slight injuries and health complaints Friday as more than 5 million devotees crowded a procession route in Manila for the Philippines' biggest religious gathering -- the feast of Black Nazarene.

Local television networks reported that Renato Guryon, a 44-year-old devotee tasked to secure the carriage of the Black Nazarene image, died from a heart attack at the start of the procession at Rizal Park early Friday morning.

The procession -- called "Traslacion" -- began at 8 a.m. at Rizal Park with more than one million barefoot devotees following a carriage carrying the centuries-old image of Jesus Christ carrying the cross. 

The festivities began 6 p.m. (10 a.m. GMT) Thursday, with an overnight vigil 'till 6 a.m. at the Quirino Grandstand, where Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle officiated a Mass.

Tens of thousands more joined the throng as it edged its way slowly to destination at Quiapo Church where another huge crowd was waiting, mostly waving the white handkerchiefs that they seek to wipe on the life-size icon for sickness, healing, success, luck and comfort.

Devotees braved the early morning drizzle that showered Manila, some of them sleepless from the previous night's vigil at Rizal Park in Manila's old district.

The Philippines National Red Cross said Guryon suffered the seizure as the procession began at 6 a.m. while 800 more people were treated for scratches, shortness of breath and numbness as the day wore on.

Each year, barefoot devotees join one of the biggest annual religious events in the world's third most populous Roman Catholic country.

In his homily during the midnight mass, Archbishop Tagle gave the message: “Look up, look back, bow down.”

He challenged the devotees of the annual pilgrimage to remember the life of Christ and ponder how they can deepen their devotion as Christians.

It is widely believed in the Philippines that the Black Nazarene image brings miracle cures to devotees suffering from such problems as disease, financial problems and other personal concerns.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council told GMA News that least 84 devotees were treated at Rizal Park for various medical conditions including hypertension and abrasions. Hundreds more complained of other health problems as the procession continued.

In previous processions, six people have died as crowds scramble to touch the effigy of Christ - two in 2010 alone.