Showing posts with label Philippines.crucifixions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philippines.crucifixions. Show all posts

Friday, April 07, 2023

Easter Crucifixion Re-enactments Resume in Philippines after Three-year Covid Pause

THE GUARDIAN: At least 12 men to participate – including one being nailed to cross for 34th time – as church leaders discourage the practice

Penitents re-enact scenes around Jesus Christ’s crucifixion in the city of San Fernando, north-west of Manila, Philippines, on Thursday. Photograph: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

At least 12 Filipinos are to be nailed to crosses to re-enact Jesus Christ’s suffering in a Good Friday tradition that is rejected by the Catholic church but draws huge crowds of devotees and tourists to the Philippines.

The real-life crucifixions in the farming village of San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga province, north of Manila, were resuming after a three-year pause due to the coronavirus pandemic. At least 12 men would participate, including 62-year-old sign painter Ruben Enaje, who would be nailed to a wooden cross for the 34th time in Cutud and two other nearby villages, organisers said.

Enaje said he would use his extraordinary penance, probably among his last because of his age, to pray for the eradication of the Covid-19 virus and the end of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has contributed to gas and food prices soaring worldwide. » | Associated Press in San Pedro Cutud | Friday, April 7, 2023

Video of the crucifixions here. {Not suitable for the squeamish!)