A villager in San Pedro Cutud, north of Manila, Philippines, embarked on his 35th annual tradition of being nailed to a wooden cross to reenact the suffering of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. Ruben Enaje, a 63-year-old carpenter and sign painter, led the religious spectacle that drew over a hundred spectators. This traditional event, halted by the coronavirus pandemic, resumed last year and has become a tourist attraction in three rural communities in Pampanga province.
Enaje, known as the “Christ” in the reenactment of the Way of the Cross, dedicated this year’s crucifixion to praying for peace in Ukraine, Gaza, and the disputed South China Sea. Despite his age and physical challenges, he could not refuse requests from villagers to offer prayers for various issues, including sickness and global conflicts.
Enaje emphasized the need for peace in light of ongoing wars and conflicts worldwide that have led to economic hardships and increased suffering for innocent individuals. He expressed concerns about the territorial dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, highlighting the imbalanced nature of the conflict and the potential consequences.
While Enaje contemplates the future of his annual tradition, he recalled surviving a fall from a three-story building in the 1980s, which led him to start the crucifixion ritual as a form of thanksgiving. Other participants in the event walked barefoot, carrying heavy crosses and enduring the pain of being nailed to wooden crosses as Roman centurions observed.
The event also featured penitents flagellating themselves and performing acts of self-punishment to atone for sins, seek blessings, and express gratitude for answered prayers. This unique blend of church traditions and folk superstitions in the Philippines reflects the country’s deep-rooted Catholicism, despite disapproval from church leaders.
Despite calls to find alternative ways to demonstrate faith and devotion, the tradition of crucifixions and self-flagellations has persisted for decades, showcasing the strong religious beliefs and cultural practices in the Philippines. The annual event continues to draw both local and international spectators who seek to understand the significance of Easter in a different part of the world.