Gruesome Vid: Filipinos Nail Themselves to Crosses to Re-Enact Jesus’ Suffering on Good Friday
- Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:13am by
Billy Hallowell
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SAN PEDRO CUTUD, Philippines (The Blaze/AP) — Thousands of people gathered in Philippine villages to watch devotees being nailed to crosses as they marked Good Friday by re-enacting Jesus Christ’s suffering, a yearly — not to mention mildly gruesome rite that continues even as church leaders discourage the practice.

Filipino woman penitent Precy 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)
Nine men wearing crowns of twigs on their heads were crucified for a few minutes by villagers dressed as Roman centurions in northern Pampanga province’s San Pedro Cutud village. At least eight other people were nailed to crosses in neighboring villages.
The spectacle reflects a unique brand of Catholicism that merges church traditions with Philippine folk superstitions.
Many of the mostly impoverished penitents undergo the ritual to atone for sins, pray for the sick or a better life, or give thanks for what they believe were God-given 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.

Hours after his palms and feet were nailed to a cross, Enaje, a grandfather of four, said he felt fine and had already walked to the village captain’s house.
“I feel good because my suffering has ended,” he said.
Prior to the crucifixions, dozens of male penitents walked several kilometers (miles) through village streets, beating their bare backs with sharp bamboo sticks and pieces of wood. Some of the penitents had their backs inflicted with cuts to keep them bloody.
“We do not judge and condemn, but we discourage it,” Archbishop Jose Palma, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said of the crucifixions.
The Rev. Melvin Castro, also of the CBCP, said “the church‘s position is there’s no need to go through this physical and literal pain on the body because Christ already did that for us.” To church officials like Castro this is an unneeded physical offering that is theologically unwarranted.
He said what the church asks is for people to “enter into the passion and death of Christ by internal sacrifices,” including going to confession and giving alms.

But Canadian tourist Samantha Todd said the crucifixions touched her.
“Even though it’s not my faith, it makes me feel something inside,” she said.
Foreigners have been banned from taking part since an Australian comic was nailed to a cross under a false name a few years ago near Pampanga. Authorities also believe that a Japanese man sought to be crucified as part of a porn film in 1996.

On Friday, two foreign students were allowed to film the rites for their thesis, but they angered organizers when they joined the procession, taking turns in carrying a cross, said San Pedro Cutud village captain Remigno dela Cruz.
The two women were not allowed to go to the mound or be nailed to the cross, he said.





















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Comments (72)
dontbotherme
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:06pmWhat these people are doing seems so very wrong to me. It borders on sacrilegious. But, I do not know their faith, their customs, their beliefs. Are they honoring the memory of Christ or their own “sacrifice”?
Report Post »Blacktooth
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:54pmOur Lord Jesus did not require this nonsense from his followers.
These people look like human sacrificing Aztec’s, the way they are dressed and act.
Report Post »Texas.7
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 5:32pmIt is hard for me condemn it, because surely great faith leads these people to do this- but I agree that there is something that doesn’t feel right about it.
It is as if one cannot accept that Jesus did this for them, so they try to suffer with Him, to maybe take some of His pain or at least try to feel that they somehow shared the experience with Him. Maybe they feel guilty, like they need to participate in salvation. If any other offering would have worked, Jesus wouldn’t have had to die on the cross. However it may make someone feel, it doesn’t add to what He did. And, depending on the motive, it could diminish His offering for one who does not take hold of the entirety of His gift.
Love, trust and obey- that is all He asks. And His yoke is light, though many have and will be tested by man, Jesus doesn’t desire this for us.
Report Post »Onowicit
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:35pmfreaks freaks freaks
Report Post »weirdos
wackadoos
nuts
crazies
dumbaces
Onowicit
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:40pmMatthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. …
if he doesn’t want you giving money in front of people………..just sayin
Report Post »Delicaterose65
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 12:55pmGod Bless them! I am a wossie so I could NEVER do this willingly. SHOW YOUR FAITH THIS WEEK-END!! Because THIS WEEKEND IS ABOUT FAITH IN GOD!! Sorry to those whom believe we celebrate this Sunday because of a cute little bunny is running all over the world giving ohhhh YOUR kids candy and eggs!! ITS ABOUT CHRIST!!! ~ Amen ~
Report Post »afhveteran
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 2:50pmNo need to yell…a gentle whisper can speak better volumes.
Report Post »Onowicit
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:44pm@afhveteran
iT’S SPEAKS VOLUMES,NOT SPEAKS BETTER VOLUMES
as long as we are teaching
Report Post »stockpicker
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 12:49pmIn this article, we will describe THE Atonement, which is The TRUE Atonement of Jesus Christ – The Atonement of the one true gospel of true Christianity. We will contrast it with the false atonement of the most prevalent form of false religion that comes in the name of Christianity – namely, universal atonement (sometimes called Arminianism, although not all who believe in the false gospel of universal atonement would be called classical “Arminians”). We will see that universal atonement is actually NO atonement at all and treats the true cross of Christ as nothing. We will then consider those who say they believe in Gospel Atonement but who believe that at least some universal atonement advocates are true Christians, showing that they, too, do not believe in Gospel Atonement.
Report Post »The differences between Gospel Atonement and the false gospel of universal atonement in the areas of substitution and imputation are as follows: In Gospel Atonement, Jesus Christ was the substitute of all whom God chose before the foundation of the world to be saved, and the sins of these people and these alone were imputed to Jesus Christ. In the false gospel of universal atonement, their “jesus christ” took the place of and took on the sins of every single human being without exception. We will see how this universal atonement rips out the very heart of the gospel.
stockpicker
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 12:51pmThe Atonement fully and perfectly accomplished complete, absolute, entire remission of all the sins of all the people for whom Christ died. To remit means to cancel, to forgive, to pardon, to take out of the way. Jesus Christ’s bloody death on the cross totally canceled, totally purged, totally paid the debt for the sins of His people. Jesus Christ is “The Lamb of God, taking away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). He “was revealed that He might take away our sins” (1 John 3:5). His blood was “poured out for remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). He “made purification of our sins through Himself” (Hebrews 1:3). His mission was”to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make atonement for iniquity” (Daniel 9:24), and to “undo the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8), that “through death He might cause to cease the [one] having the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14). Jesus Christ“has been manifested for putting away of sin through the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:26). He “washed us from our sins by His blood” (Revelation 1:5). He has “forgiven you all the offenses, blotting out the handwriting in the ordinances against us, which was contrary to us, even [He] has taken it out of the midst, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:13-14). His blood “cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). In Him there is “the remission of sins” (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14). His blood was shed once, because “apart from shedding of blood
Report Post »stockpicker
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 2:33pmbecause “apart from shedding of blood no remission occurs. … But where remission of these is, there [is] no longer offering concerning sins” (Hebrews 9:22; 10:18). God in Christ was “not charging their trespasses to them” (2 Corinthians 5:19), and “with His wounds we ourselves are healed” (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24).
Report Post »What of the “christ” of universal atonement? The “christ” of universal atonement died for everyone without exception. Did this death actually accomplish the remission, the cancellation, the pardon, the putting away of the sin of everyone without exception? It did not do anything even close to that. There are people in hell for whom this “christ” died, for whom this “christ” atoned, whose sins were supposedly “taken away” and “pardoned” and “paid for.” Universal atonement advocates use John 1:29 to try to prove that their “christ” took away the sins of everyone without exception. Yet they also say that there are some who are burning in hell. Were the sins of those who are burning in hell taken away by the blood of their “christ”? If so, why are they burning in hell? It is because their “christ” actually accomplished NOTHING on the cross. There are people burning in hell for sins that were not pardoned or taken away. Their god is a liar when he says that this “christ” took away the sins of everyone without exception. The blood of their “christ” is of no effect in and of itself. And they blaspheme the true Jesus Christ by using His N
stockpicker
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 2:36pmAnd they blaspheme the true Jesus Christ by using His Name in their damnable heresy, claiming that the true Jesus Christ of the Bible paid the sin debt for everyone without exception. They hate the true God and the true gospel. They are unregenerate.
Report Post »SurhanSurhan
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 12:08pmNo one has ever died by nailing or impaling to the cross. The only why to die on the cross is by asphyxiation or starvation. Jesus did not die and these people did not die.
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 2:30pmStrange, I thought that crucifition was the most horrible death that man has devised. Thousands of criminals and Christians were crucified.
Report Post »BTW: Christ was crucified on a Wednesday and buried Wednesday at sunset just before the ANNUAL sabbath of Passover. The resurrection occured at sunset Saturday and the women discovered it on Sunday morning. A Good Friday-Easter tradition throws out the only sign that Christ said He would give that He was the Christ. You can’t get 3 days and 3 nights between sunset Friday and Easter morning.
nzkiwi
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:49pmYou are both right. Death is actually caused by asphixiation and it is a horrible way to go.
Report Post »SurhanSurhan
Posted on April 7, 2012 at 12:32pm@ NZKIWI- Actually RamonPreston is wrong. Crucify means to die on the cross. If someone is put on the cross and does not die, but is killed in a motor car accident 10 years latter, what do you call that, crucificted or crucifiction (not real words, I just made them up. There are no words in English to describe this)?
It appeared to those people standing by, that Jesus had died. It looked like he was dead, but he was not. No one checked his pulse. No one checked to see if he had stopped breathing. No one checked to see if rigor mortis had set in Jesus‘ body and no one checked to see if lividity had taken place in Jesus’ body. They looked at him and it appeared to them he was dead. Jesus could have fainted.
The Jews that had tried to kill Jesus, were not sure he had died.
Matthew 27:63-64: Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
64Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
What is meant by “so the last error shall be worse than the first”? The first error was that they had let the body be taken down from the cross without someone examining the body to make sure Jesus was dead.
Report Post »VanceUppercut
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:46amIt‘s a good thing you Christians aren’t crazy like those Muslims. It‘s a good thing you don’t have bitter, spiteful nuns beating the crap out of their students and priests molesting kids while being protected from the police by the church. Catholics and Protestants have NEVER killed each other (Northern Ireland), and Christians have never formed death squads to wipe out people from other religions (Lebanese Civil War). Nope, none of that has happened, because Jesus is love, and his worshipers are all loving, sane people.
Report Post »mdeputy7
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 12:07pmWhat is wrong with you? Why do I always hear hate coming toward Christians from non-Christians? I understand that there are always extremists. All of us do, I think. These people aren’t going out and killing others, though. They believe they have to undergo pain to atone for their sins. They are wrong in that Christ took care of that sacrifice for us. That is where Protestants and Catholics differ the most. For the most part, Catholics believe that as long as they “Confess” their sins and do what the priest tells them, they will be ok. Sometimes that involves Penitence. Protestant Christians are a completely different sect in that we believe that Christ took care of all sacrifice for us. We are to live Godly lives because it is the right thing to do….because if we don’t we are rejecting his sacrifice. But it is about his grace and forgiveness completely. That is all. Please do not lump Christians into a group with Muslims. If you do that, we could lump any and all ‘groups’…including atheists…together because they all have done something horrible in the past. Muslim teachings…from the foundation…are to kill those that are not and will not become Muslim. That is the problem. Yes there are some, many in fact, that do not follow that teaching, but that doesn‘t mean that at its core it isn’t violent.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 1:00pmvance: You are a bigot.
Report Post »vaman
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:35amLunatics. Religious extremism at its best.
Report Post »Zuitsuit
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:25amAnd everyday more of them come into this country , they live among us, they vote, they breed
Report Post »karaklev
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:23amthis practice isn’t needed for repentance… repentance simply is confessing of one’s sins and failures and accepting that Christ did indeed take all of our sin upon HImself; therefore, this practice is useless and propaganda for atheists and anti-christians alike.
Report Post »SilentReader
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:36amThe Church should not only discourage this they should forbid it. Re-enacting Christ’s crucifixion is obscene. It is a mockery!
Report Post »SacredHonor1776
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:41amLive Passion Plays?
Ok I suppose they don’t physically nail themselves to the cross in the plays…
Report Post »Joe Schmuck
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:35amWhen we do something that places the focus on us, that’s taking the focus off Christ.
For me, Christ was enough. He left nothing for me to do. I don’t know why He would do that for me, but He did.
Report Post »froggy19510
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:12amThe reason for Christ going to the cross is so we don’t have to. “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53;5
Report Post »Mapache
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:57amFreaking morons. They have not a clue and simply re-enacting (no matter how realistically or painful) in no way does anything for them or anyone else. In fact, you might say it is a lack of faith by which they do it, as if Christ was not enough, that they have to do it for themselves. How very sad.
Report Post »bluesdog
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:30amI was stationed in the far East in the 70′s. I was raised as a Catholic – and this stuff seemed away over the top to me…until I met and spoke to Filipinos about it. Don’t be too quick to label these good people as kooks…their SINCERE devotion and commitment to God is admirable.
Report Post »sawbuck
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:23am2 Timothy 3: 1-9 ( KJV )
1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
~~~~~~
Report Post »I just want to give thanks to the Lord Jesus ,as we celebrate this day .
To give thanks to you Jesus “The lamb of God” for taking our place on the cross.
For being the perfect sacrifice.. The final sacrifice.
Thank you Lord Jesus for dieing on The Cross for my sins.
Amen.
SquidVetOhio
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:15amBLASPHEMOUS! Peter asked to crucified upside-down because he didn’t believe he worthy to die the same manner as his Lord. These people think doing this will please God? “All of our righteousness is a filthy rags” as said in Isaiah. THe only thing that impresses God is faith in His Son!
Report Post »SquidVetOhio
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:16amBesides, Jesus was crucified on a Wednesday not Friday.
Report Post »RRFlyer
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 10:40amSQUIDVETOHIO
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:16am—
Besides, Jesus was crucified on a Wednesday not Friday.
And what Bible do you read? Some people think they can add their own interpretation to the Bible just because it doesn’t agree with their idea of “how it should have been” So thanks for your lie.
Report Post »Besides it’s not called “Good Wednesday”
SquidVetOhio
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:15amI read the KJV. Let me educate you. Jesus said “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Jesus Christ was crucified on a Passover day. The next day to Passover day is the first day of the feast of the unleavened bread, which is a Sabbath day. In other words, the Passover day is a day of preparation for the Sabbath day, which is the first day of the feast of the unleavened bread. Somehow being ignorant, the top council decided that this Sabbath was a seventh day Sabbath, which made them think that Jesus was crucified on a Friday, in spite of the fact this Sabbath day is differentiated as a high day, but not as the seventh day. Jesus was crucified on the Passover day at 9:00 am. The land was covered with darkness from 12:00 am to 3:00 pm. Jesus Christ died at 3:00 pm. A Jewish day starts at the sunset and ends at the sunset. The Passover day ends at sunset and the Sabbath for the feast of the unleavened bread starts at the sunset. So, they were in a hurry to bury the body before the Sabbath that is the sunset. They gave him a quick burial since at sunset begins a Sabbath day. Then they prepared spices and ointments on the second day. Then they had to rest one more day since it was also a Sabbath day, which was the seventh day Sabbath. This is the third day that ends at sunset. At night the women cannot embalm the body and so they came early even before sunrise.
Report Post »SquidVetOhio
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:18amThe body of Jesus was not there even before the day was dawn that is; even at the night the body was not there. That is, Jesus Christ was raised from the dead at the end of the seventh day Sabbath. That is, he was raised at the sunset of Saturday and the people found that out at the early morning before the dawn of Sunday morning. So, he was in the tomb, at the heart of the earth, only for three days and three nights.
Now, I’ll be awaiting your response. Let‘s hope it’s something better than “Liar, Liar pants on fire”. I don’t care if people want to celebrate Good Friday, it’s resurrection Sunday that is important.
Report Post »SquidVetOhio
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:25amThe body of Jesus was not there even before the day was dawn that is; even at the night the body was not there. That is, Jesus Christ was raised from the dead at the end of the seventh day Sabbath. That is, he was raised at the sunset of Saturday and the people found that out at the early morning before the dawn of Sunday morning. So, he was in the tomb, at the heart of the earth, only for three days and three nights.
Sorry, I’m using facts. Not the way “I think it should’ve been.” It’s really irrelevant and academic since resurrection Sunday is the important day. But, if you’re going to call someone a liar, at least offer up some facts to support it. Good Friday was started by the Roman Church as was Christmas. I have no problem with either. But if he was crucified on a Friday, then all the times Jesus spoke of rising on “the third day” would be inaccurate. I am defending the Bible’s accuracy, not attacking a church tradition.
Report Post »Tandem2011
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:04amIt’s long been a tradition in the Philippines for faithful fanatics.
Report Post »JustPeachy
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:45amPeople are weird.
Report Post »huufarted
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:06amBleeping PAGANS !!!
Report Post »ChildofJesus
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:38amsimply shaking my head.
Report Post »ZengaPA65
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:07amIt‘s that time of year again when Christians prove undoubtedly that they’ve absolutely no clue whatsoever what is written in the first 66 books of their own Bible.
Report Post »JustPeachy
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:47amWell I can‘t and won’t speak for ALL Christians, but I don’t think these folks have a clue–with that I’d agree!
Report Post »Tandem2011
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 9:22amBut, then again, most Christians, it’s fair to say, haven’t bothered to study other world religions (comparatively). Hence, the Biblically literate might be religiously illiterate in a broader global context….everything being relative. And this doesn’t even cover the many Christians, Muslims, Mormons, Hindus, etc., being scientifically illiterate in an age of high tech.
Report Post »magadog
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:51am…Christ did this so these knuckleheads would not have to…can’t add to or perfect His sacrifice – just accept it as a gift.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:56amMy thoughts exactly.
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 11:56amI think I will have to avoid doing this myself, since my HMO won’t cover stigmata injuries.
Report Post »OhSnappage
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 3:14pmLol,
Report Post »Wow, are they supposed to be paying homage to Christ by doing this?
I think they are missing the message on this one.
cemerius
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:40amFanatacism DOES NOT prove your faith!!! Glorifying the actual death and NOT the meaning of the death? Take note ‘athiests“ Christianity bashing in any other country can lead to your possible fast trip to the ”hottest spot” known to exist!
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:52am@Cemerius
I agree exactly with your first and second sentences. Where did your third sentence come from?
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:32amFirstly, when Christ was nailed to the cross, the nails went through the wrists, not the hands. I know I wasn’t there at the time, but the Romans invented this gruesome method of execution and they were explicit. A nail through the hand would rip out through the knuckle, and it doesn’t hurt that much (speaking as one who has inadvertently shoved a power drill bit through his hand). A nail through the wrist would be excruciating, when one’s weight came on, to say the least, and it would hold.
Secondly. well no, I won’t say it…
Report Post »huey6367
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:31amHow do you get the last nail in?
Report Post »Thighmaster
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 8:35amyou use a nail gun fastened to an opposing post with a string you pull and a laser dot where you want the nail to go. simple, I do it all the time
Report Post »evilbert
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:26amUh… umm… uh… I don’t…. uh… (scratches head)… I… am… uh… um… speechless!
Report Post »EP46
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:18amFilipinos Nail Themselves to Crosses
Report Post »How do you ‘nail yourself to a cross’ …feet first?
nzkiwi
Posted on April 6, 2012 at 7:33amLol.
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