July 1, 2013
People covered with mud and dried banana leaves raise their hands for a blessing as they attend a Mass celebrating the feast of St. John the Baptist in the remote village of Bibiclat, Philippines, June 24. The origins of the festival and the reasons for the practice are unclear.

CNS PHOTO | CHERYL RAVELO, REUTERS

Honouring the Baptist

People covered with mud and dried banana leaves raise their hands for a blessing as they attend a Mass celebrating the feast of St. John the Baptist in the remote village of Bibiclat, Philippines, June 24.

The origins of the festival and the reasons for the practice are unclear.