Catholics in the Philippines marked Good Friday with a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in the city of San Fernando, north of the capital Manila. The crucifixion ritual has been a tradition in Pampanga province for decades.
These gory displays draw crowds from around the world each year during Holy Week, although such re-enactments are frowned upon by church leaders.
On Friday, more than a hundred people witnessed 10 parishioners being nailed to the cross.
They underwent the crucifixion believing that the excruciating pain was a way to atone for their sins, obtain miraculous healings for illnesses, or give thanks to God.
Ruben Enaje, reenacting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday, in San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines, March 29, 2024. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David
The ritual resumed last year after a three-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. This crucifixion event has turned Ruben Enaje into a village celebrity because of his role as “the Christ” in the Lenten reenactment of the Stations of the Cross.
Enaje, a 63-year-old resident of San Fernando City, is the actor who played Jesus who was nailed to the cross on Friday. This year's demonstration is the 35th.
Enaje told the Associated Press news agency that he had considered ending his annual ritual due to age, but said he could not refuse requests from villagers for him to pray for his sick relatives.
“Because my body is getting weaker, I don't know if this is the last one or there will be a next one or if this is really the last one,” said Ruben Enaje.
Among the crowd of worshipers was Maciej Kruszewski, a tourist from Poland and a first-time spectator at the crucifixion.
“Here, we just want to understand what Easter means in different parts of the world,” Kruszewski said.
Good Friday is part of the Christian Holy Week, which ends with Easter Sunday, when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ from the dead. (lt/ab)