Faithful revive an ancient tradition

Published on Monday 27 April 2009 22:52

A CENTURIES-OLD statue of Jesus Christ believed to protect against disease was carried through the streets of Mexico City for the first time in more than a century, as the flu virus claimed more victims.

Roman Catholic worshippers, many wearing surgical masks for fear of infection, paraded the revered 6ft statue around the central Zocalo square.

The icon had not been removed from its altar in the main cathedral since a virulent outbreak of cholera killed thousands of people in the mid-1800s, said a spokesman for Mexico City's archbishop.

"This has been done because the situation is seen as being very serious and worthy of this tradition," he said.

The statue, which depicts Christ on the crucifix, dates from colonial times and the faithful believe it performed miracles in the 1600s when disease ravaged Mexico.