Sunday, April 8, 2012

Filipino Good Friday devotees nailed to crosses

A Filipino penitent wears a crown of barb wire during Good Friday rituals to atone for his sins at the municipality of Paombong, Bulacan province, northern Philippines, Friday, April 6, 2012. Several Filipino devotees had themselves nailed to crosses Friday to remember Jesus Christ's suffering and death, an annual rite rejected by church leaders in this predominantly Roman Catholic country.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

A Filipino penitent wears a crown of barb wire during Good Friday rituals to atone for his sins at the municipality of Paombong, Bulacan province, northern Philippines, Friday, April 6, 2012. Several Filipino devotees had themselves nailed to crosses Friday to remember Jesus Christ's suffering and death, an annual rite rejected by church leaders in this predominantly Roman Catholic country.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Filipino woman penitent Percy Valencia closes her eyes as she is nailed to a wooden cross during Good Friday rituals at the municipality of Paombong, Bulacan province, northern Philippines, Friday, April 6, 2012. Several Filipino devotees had themselves nailed to crosses Friday to remember Jesus Christ's suffering and death, an annual rite rejected by church leaders in this predominantly Roman Catholic country. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Filipino penitent Roger Marcos' feet is nailed to a wooden cross during Good Friday rituals at the municipality of Paombong, Bulacan province, northern Philippines, Friday, April 6, 2012. Several Filipino devotees had themselves nailed to crosses Friday to remember Jesus Christ's suffering and death, an annual rite rejected by church leaders in this predominantly Roman Catholic country.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

SAN PEDRO CUTUD, Philippines (AP) ? Thousands have gathered in the Philippines to witness devotees nailed to crosses as they mark Good Friday by re-enacting Jesus Christ's suffering. The yearly rites continue even as Roman Catholic church leaders discourage the practice.

Nine men were crucified for a few minutes in Pampanga province's San Pedro Cutud village, while at least eight others were crucified in neighboring villages.

Many take part to atone for sins, pray for the sick or a better life or give thanks for what they believe were miracles.

Friday's crucifixion was the 26th for Ruben Enaje, a 51-year-old sign painter. He began his yearly rite after surviving a fall from a building.

The spectacle a unique brand of Catholicism that merges church traditions with Philippine folk superstitions.

Associated Press

arkansas lsu storage wars storage wars millionaire matchmaker millionaire matchmaker shawshank redemption 3 10 to yuma

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.