Religious Fervor

DEVOTEES try to reach the image of the Black Nazarene at the start of  His 405th annual grand procession from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church in Manila January 9.2012. (Photo by Linus Guardian Escandor II)A sea of devotees fills Rizal Park and surrounding areas in Manila as they join the annual procession of the Black Nazarene from the park’s Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church. (Photo by: Linus Escandor II)Devotees raise their hands in prayer during the procession of the Black Nazarene in Manila.  (Photo by: Linus Guardian Escandor II)For the first time in 405 years, the procession of the Black Nazarene lasted for more than22 hours from Quirino Avenue to the Quiapo church.