Good Friday in the Philippines – Crucifixions and Self-flagellation

For the first time since the Corona pandemic, crucifixions and other forms of self-flagellation took place in the Philippines on Good Friday, with which believers want to commemorate the suffering and death of Christ. Dozens of barefoot and hooded men beat their backs with whips on bamboo sticks until they bled. Thousands took part in processions and masses in crowded churches. The Good Friday rituals are traditionally the highlight of Easter Week celebrations in the predominantly Catholic country.

The main site of the self-crucifixions was the village of San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga province, about 60 kilometers north of the capital Manila. Thousands of spectators had traveled to watch the participants get themselves nailed to crosses.

The leading role in the Passion Play was played by 62-year-old Ruben Enaje, grandfather of seven grandchildren. He carried a wooden cross weighing 37 kilograms almost two kilometers to a hill where the crucifixions took place. “We are all happy to be able to resume our tradition,” he told the German news agency.

The practice, which the participants want to use to repent, is very important “to show our strong faith, and this year we should be especially grateful because we have overcome so many difficulties since the pandemic,” he stressed. He added that he is not only praying for his family, but also for an end to the Russian offensive war in Ukraine. “It breaks my heart to see crying children in Ukraine,” he said. “No one will win this war, everyone will lose.”

The Catholic Church does not encourage such extreme acts of faith, but does little in the Philippines to stop the practice. “We have accepted that some people disagree with our traditions,” Enaje said. “Please just respect what we do.” (sda/dpa)