page_title: Crucifixion in the Philippines
hierarchical_section_title: Crucifixion in the Philippines
caption_attribution_description: English: Good Friday observance in Barangay (barrio) San Pedro Cutud, in San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines. During this annual tradition of faith of Kapampangan Catholic Devotees people remember the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Although the modern Catholic church now discourages this act of hurting themselves, many penitents called "magdarame" carry wooden crosses, crawl on rough pavement, and slash their backs before whipping themselves to draw blood. This is done to ask for forgiveness of sins, to fulfill vows (panata), or to express gratitude for favors granted. The event also includes a reenactment of Christ's crucifixion. This part of the day featured 55-year-old Ruben “Mang Ben Kristo” Enaje, playing the role of Jesus Christ. This year is Mang Ben’s 25th year of crucifixion and according to him, this might be his last year and he is looking for the right person who will replace him despite the numbers of the potential candidates are many because he believe that the person must possess good characteristics and sincerity.
context_page_description: 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 are willingly crucified in imitation of 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, 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.
  These customs are strongly discouraged by the Catholic Church in the Philippines, which considers them to be fanatical, superstitious expressions of Folk Catholicism and self-harm contrary to its teachings on the body. The Department of Health meanwhile often insists that participants in the rites should have tetanus shots and that the nails used should be sterilized.
context_section_description: 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 are willingly crucified in imitation of 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.
  These customs are strongly discouraged by the Catholic Church in the Philippines, which considers them to be fanatical, superstitious expressions of Folk Catholicism and self-harm contrary to its teachings on the body. The Department of Health meanwhile often insists that participants in the rites should have tetanus shots and that the nails used should be sterilized.
caption: Good Friday observances in Barangay San Pedro Cutud, in San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines.
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