In the unforgiving heat of the Philippine sun, a scene that harks back to ancient times unfolds each year on Good Friday, as scores of devout Filipinos take to reenactments of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion in a stark display of faith and penance. This year, the tradition continued in San Pedro Cutud and other rural villages, with at least eight Filipinos, including a carpenter named Ruben Enaje, being nailed to crosses, despite the objections of the Catholic Church.
This gritty spectacle resumed after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, attracting thousands of spectators and participants who either underwent the ordeal of crucifixion or engaged in self-flagellation, walking barefoot while beating their backs with bamboo sticks, sometimes making the ritual bloodier with cuts from broken glass. These acts of penance are undertaken by mostly impoverished devotees seeking to atone for their sins, pray for the sick, hope for a better life, or give thanks for perceived miracles.
Enaje, participating for the 34th time, voiced a prayer not just for personal or local concerns but for global issues, highlighting the interconnectedness of our world. In a news conference after his crucifixion, he said, “It’s just these two countries involved in that war, Russia and Ukraine, but all of us are being affected by the higher oil prices even if we’re not involved in that war.” His sentiments reflect the ripple effects of distant conflicts on individuals living half a world away, as well as the universal desire for peace and well-being.
Witnesses of these acts describe them as deeply religious experiences. Kitty Ennett, a veterinarian from Ireland, shared that observing the passion and sacrifice of the participants was moving and a testament to their faith. Johnson Gareth, a British tour organizer, noted, “They like this because there is really nothing like this on earth.” He emphasized that the event is not as macabre as some might think but is conducted with respect.
On the other side of the debate, the Catholic Church has been vocal in its opposition to such practices. Church leaders suggest that faith and devotion can be demonstrated without self-harm and advocate for charity work as an alternative. Father Jerome Secillano pointed to confession as the path to forgiveness. Meanwhile, Robert Reyes, a prominent Catholic priest and human rights activist, lamented the Church’s perceived failure to educate many Filipinos on Christian tenets, allowing folk Catholicism to flourish. Reyes pointed out, “If we judge them, we’ll just alienate them,” indicating the need for a more understanding and engaged approach by the Church.
Organizers reported over 15,000 foreign and Filipino tourists and devotees assembling for the cross nailings in Cutud and two neighboring villages. A festive atmosphere prevailed with villagers selling bottled water, hats, food, and religious items, while police and marshals maintained order.
Relevant articles:
– Filipinos nailed to crosses despite church objection
– Nailed to a cross, Filipino prays for Ukraine war to end, The Associated Press, Fri, 07 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT
– Live Easter reenactments resume in the Philippines despite Catholic Church objections, NPR, Fri, 07 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT
– Philippines holds bloody crucifixions on Good Friday despite Church objection, The National, Fri, 07 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT