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Devotional practice in the Philippines From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Crucifixion in the Philippines is a devotional practice held every Good Friday, and is part of the local observance of Holy Week. Devotees or penitents called magdarame in Kapampangan willingly have themselves crucified to reenact Jesus Christ's suffering and death, while related practices include carrying wooden crosses, crawling on rough pavement, and self-flagellation. Penitents consider these acts to be mortification of the flesh, and undertake these to ask forgiveness for sins, to fulfil a panatà (Filipino, "vow"), or to express gratitude for favours granted. In the most famous case, Ruben Enaje drives four-inch nails into both hands and feet and then he is lifted on a wooden cross for around five minutes.[1]
The San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites are a re-enactment of Christ’s Passion and crucifixion held in Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga. It includes a passion play, culminating in the actual nailing of at least three penitents to wooden crosses atop a makeshift Calvary.
Crucifixions are also held in Barangay Kapitangan, Paombong, Bulacan[7] which is a locally-known pilgrimage area and haven for faith healers.[citation needed] Many women have been nailed to the cross, acting on directions "from above", claiming mediumship of Christ either as the Santo Niño or the Black Nazarene.[8]
The Siete Palabras (Seven Last Words) play in Angeles, Pampanga, depicts the sufferings of Christ from his sentencing by Pontius Pilate to his death.[22] This takes the form of a colourful street play, with dozens of men carrying wooden crosses as heavy as 50 kg (110 pounds) and scores flagellating themselves in Barangay Lourdes Northwest, Angeles, between 14:00 and 15:00 PST (GMT+8).[23]
The Catholic Church in the Philippines opposes the practice of crucifixion and self-flagellation. The bishops see the practices as spiritual vanity, with the Archbishop of Lingayen–Dagupan, Socrates Villegas, encouraging the public in 2014 to show more "love for others" instead of exhibiting "extreme forms" of sacrifice. Likewise, the Bishop of Legazpi, Joel Baylon, emphasized that spiritual conversion, and not "public display of suffering", is more meaningful.[24] A priest from the CBCP in 2023 said that the crucifixions, which devotees believe that their sins would be forgiven, are contrary to the teachings of the Church.[25] Bishops instead invited the public to observe the traditional Visita Iglesia (Seven Churches Visitation) and offering prayers at churches.[24]
The Department of Health in 2019 warned about the health risks of such activities, as open wounds cause various infections and diseases, like the deadly tetanus. Likewise, the department also warned that self-flagellating under the heat of the sun may cause heat stroke and dehydration.[26]
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