As has been the case for the last 60 years, some Christians in the Phillipines gave themselves up for crucifixion during this year’s commemoration of Good Friday.
Philipines: Real -life crucifixion to commemorate the suffering of Christ
Christians believe ‘good Friday’ is the day when Jesus Christ was crucified.
The die-hard Christians are nailed to crosses and others whipped.
Devout Catholics have been nailed to wooden crosses for the Holy Week #Easter festival in the Philippines https://t.co/7I7ArXpwWn— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 25, 2016
Religious officials frown at the act and believe it distorts the Christian message.
“This idea of flagellation or crucifixion physically putting one self on the cross is not a practice that is sanctioned by the church in general. It is just a private expression of the faith of the people which the church discourages,” Broderick Soncuaco Pabillo, auxiliary bishop of Manila told reporters.
“I know you would not believe me, but God helped me recover from a nervous breakdown. This is my personal way of thanking Him for healing me,” one of the Christians who has been crucified before told reporters.
Despite the pain felt, the Christians consider such moments as faith building.
“You instead feel good because some of your sins are forgiven,” Joel Yutoc one of the Christians said.
They respond to their critics by insisting it is their tradition which must be respected.
AFP