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The Quaipo Church, facing the Plaza Miranda in downtown Manila, was founded
by Franciscan Missionaries in 1586. The original building made from bamboo,
was replaced by a stone reconstruction which was destroyed by fire in 1929.
Known as the Basilika ng Nazareno, the present Spanish colonial-style
building was completed in the 1930s. It is famous for a life-size black
wooden statue of Christ on the cross (the Black Nazarene). said to have been
brought to the Philippines, by Spanish galleon, from Mexico in 1767, Devout
worshippers believe it to possess miraculous healing powers. The church
itself is surrounded by flower stalls and vendors selling religious
artefacts to Catholic pilgrims who come to pray for a cure of their ailment.
Or that of a relative. Friday in particular sees long queues of devotees
waiting to light a candle and to kiss the feet of the statue – which are as
high as they can reach. The Feast Day of the Black Nazarene, celebrated on
9th January, attracts Christians from all over South East Asia. Good Friday
during Holy Week is another solemn occasion when the church is packed and
overflowing onto the square.
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