In an extreme act of faith, more than a dozen people had themselves nailed to a cross in the Philippines on Good Friday. With the ritual and other self-flagellation, Catholics in the Southeast Asian island nation traditionally commemorate the suffering and death of Christ.
Many other participants hit their backs with whips until it became bloody. Thousands took part in processions and masses in crowded churches.
The Good Friday rituals are traditionally the highlight of Easter celebrations in the predominantly Catholic country. The main site of self-crucifixions is the village of San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga province, about 60 kilometers north of the capital Manila. Thousands of spectators came to watch as several men had themselves nailed to a cross and remained there for several minutes. But other villages also held such rituals in extreme heat.
The leading role in the Passion Play was once again taken on by 63-year-old Ruben Enaje – for the 35th time. The grandfather of seven children told the German Press Agency (dpa) in advance on the telephone that he would continue the tradition as long as he was physically able to do so. He carried a 37 kilogram wooden cross almost two kilometers to a hill where the crucifixions took place.
Praying for protection from China
In addition to praying for his family, he also asked for protection for the Philippines, its government and its people, especially in light of the conflict with China over overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea. “China may be bigger than us, but we have the Lord on our side,” he said. “Nothing is impossible with God.”
In the nearby village of Santa Lucia, a 15-year-old took part in the rituals for the first time – and asked for blessings for his mother, who suffers from breast cancer. The teenager beat him bloodily on the back with a whip fitted with bamboo sticks, while his 19-year-old brother carried a wooden cross. “You’re doing this for me,” her mother said. “I’m worried about them, but they insisted.”
The Catholic Church does not encourage such extreme acts of faith, but does little to stop the practice in the Philippines. “We ask for respect because our tradition does not harm anyone,” Enaje said. Easter week is the most important religious festival in the Philippines.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
