Filipino Catholics mark Jesus' crucifixion with self-flagellation

Customers at a coffee shop watch as Filipino Catholic devotees perform self-flagellation along a street on Maundy Thursday in Manila, Philippines, April 6, 2023. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

MANILA (Reuters) - A group of 20 Catholic devotees walked barefoot for hours in Manila on Thursday while repeatedly striking their backs with bamboo whips to commemorate the passion of Jesus Christ.

"This is our vow every Holy Week to strengthen our faith to our Lord (Jesus Christ) and for repentance of our sins," said 27-year-old Brian Lorca, referring to the week leading up to Easter Sunday.