- Many tourists went to Pampanga to witness the re-enactment of Christ’s crucifixion
- Those faithfuls who want to repent from their sins also have themselves crucified on the cross
- The re-enactment happens in Barangay Cutud in San Fernando, Pampanga
Hundreds of people flocked to Pampanga on March 25, Good Friday, as a number of devoted Catholics had themselves crucified akin to Jesus Christ’s act to save the world’s people from sins.
Under the scorching heat of the summer sun in Pampanga, a number of faithfuls exposed themselves to carrying the cross, whipping and in the end, self-flagellation, to show repentance for their sins.
“This is my personal way of thanking Him (God) for healing me,” said senior fisherman Willy Salvador in a feature story posted on The Daily Mail. “I know you would not believe me, but God helped me recover from a nervous breakdown,” he added.
The Catholic church and the local health department frown upon this gruesome practice but devotees continue to do it because it is in this way that they feel their sins are truly forgiven.
“You actually feel good, because you know some of your sins are being forgiven,” Joel Yutuc was quoted in the same Daily Mail story.
The crucifixion – the most anticipated part of the morbid festivity – happens at Barangay Cutud in San Fernando, Pampanga. The Lenten rites in this village recreates what happened to Jesus Christ when he was hanged on the cross. It also features a play that depicts the actual nailing to the cross.
This event has drawn hundreds of tourists to flock to Pampanga to witness this unique expression of faith.
One observer, Benjie Pazcougin, was quoted as saying, “Definitely, it reinforces my faith. I will come to see it again next year.”
While some people participate in the gory activity, other Catholics visit churches in the traditional Visita Iglesia where they hop on seven churches and pray at the stations of the cross.
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