Filipino Catholic Ruben Enaje reenacts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday, in San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines, March 29, 2024. - Reuters
MANILA (dpa): More than a dozen penitents were nailed to wooden crosses in the Philippines on Friday, while others whipped their backs bloody in gory re-enactments of Jesus Christ’s death.
The Good Friday rituals - the highlight of Easter week celebrations in the predominantly Catholic country - were held in several villages amid intense summer heat and humidity that triggered rain showers in some areas.
The most popular site of the crucifixions is the village of San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga province, about 60 kilometres north of Manila, where thousands of visitors gathered to witness the extreme acts of faith.
Ruben Enaje, 63, took the lead role in the annual tradition in San Pedro Cutud and was crucified for the 35th time after carrying a 37-kilo wooden cross for nearly 2 kilometres to a hill.
The grandfather of seven vowed to continue leading the crucifixions for as long as he physically can.
"I keep saying that last year was the last time, so I won’t say it again,” he told dpa in a telephone interview. "When my body fails, that will be the last.”
Aside from praying for more blessings to his family, Enaje said he also asked for protection for the Philippines, its government leaders and people, especially amid the conflict with China due to overlapping 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.”
Two other penitents were nailed to wooden crosses with Enaje in San Pedro Cutud. Six others were crucified in the nearby villages of Santa Lucia and San Juan in Pampanga province. In the province of Bulacan, six penitents were nailed to wooden crosses in the village of Kapitangan.
The Catholic Church does not encourage the extreme acts of faith, but does little to stop the practice.
Easter week is the most important religious event in the Philippines, where more than 85% of the population is Catholic.
In the nearby village of San Jose, 15-year-old Julius Cortez took part in the ritual for the first time as an offer for his mother, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
The teenager whipped his back bloody with a whip fitted with bamboo sticks, while his 19-year-old brother carried a wooden cross.
"They are doing this for me,” said 37-year-old Bernalyn, their mother. "I’m worried for them, but they insisted. I thank the Lord for them, because they are my blessings.”
Enaje asked non-believers to respect their belief and for penitents to practice their penance solemnly.
"We ask for respect because our tradition does not harm anyone,” he said. "As long as penitents keep their intentions pure, they will also experience the miracle of God’s blessings like I have so many times.”
Most of the week had been declared public holidays to allow Filipinos to visit their home provinces or take vacations. Government offices, private companies and commercial establishments are closed. - dpa0
