Many Filipinos do not eat meat during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Catholicism is considered as the dominant religion in the Philippines and the largest in Asia as well. Visita Iglesia is one of the common practices in the country by visiting 8 churches this Holy Week. Many Filipinos have spent time and solemnity together with their own families.
In some other places within the country like in Pampanga, Philippines the devotees and fanatics observe some of the locals who volunteer to be crucified as part of their devotion. They have many reasons why they do it yearly, some say that it was a calling and other say because they have made promises after surviving from illness, accident, or struggle in life. Whatever their reasons are many foreigners come to see how the commemoration is being done. This 2010, at least 23 people were nailed on the cross but the foreigners were banned to participate after last year incidents that created a bit disorder on the rites. Some of them made fun out of it. The event has drawn more than 10,000 spectators.
Ruben Enaje, a 49-year old painter has just been nailed on the cross for his 24th time. Only one female named Mary Jane Mamangon has marked her 14th crucifixion this year. Church leaders reject such practices. According to local church leaders, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in particular has said that the real expression of Christian faith during this Lent is true repentance and self-renewal and not by flagellation or crucifixion.
Below is a short video of crucifixion in which I believe should not be tolerated:
This video of crucifixion was held in Pampanga in 2007.
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