Crucifixions in Cutud

The voluntary crucifixions in the northern Philippines were the most extreme displays of religious devotion in this mainly Catholic country, where millions are praying and fasting ahead of the Easter weekend.

In the small village of Cutud, about 80 km (50 miles) north of Manila, men cried out as nails the size of pencils were driven into their hands and feet before they were hoisted up in the scorching heat. Eight went through the process. Eleven backed out, organizers said.

"The poor are getting poorer. They are the focus of my penance and my petitions. I pray there's equality in the society," said Ruben Inaje, showing his bandaged hands after his crucifixion.

In the neighboring province of Bulacan, five people were nailed to wooden crosses, including a 15-year-old boy and an 18-year-old girl.

Thousands watched the spectacle in Cutud, which has grown from a village production started in 1962 to a media and tourist attraction copied in other parts of the country.

For hours before the crucifixions lines of men, hooded and half naked, flayed their backs with bamboo whips and paddles tipped with broken glass. Blood splattered over the road.

The atmosphere was festive, with hawkers selling beer, ice-cream and souvenir whips. VIPs watched from a specially elevated "viewing platform."

The country's dominant Catholic Church disapproves of the crucifixions and flagellations as a misrepresentation of the faith.

"The spiritual dimension is totally lost, and it's entered into only because of some shows, some manifestations for other people to be satisfied with or to see," said Bishop Deogracias Iniguez.

"Many of these penitents, those who are practicing these physical afflictions have a meager, have a shallow understanding of these practices."

Tarsiers comment:-
For me this is a mockery of why Jesus died, he died so we can avail of everlasting life, Jesus died to free us from our sins and the law code.. the 10 commandments, (over 600 rules), that Paul called a curse.... it was given by God to the Jewish nation it was never given to the Christians.. we are under only two... to love God with all our hearts and soul and too love our neighbour as ourselves, yes we can be declared righteous by the law code but that would be saying we do not believe in why Jesus died.Do you want to follow 600 rules?.. no one ever has managed to do that
This display means nothing, it could get the people involved blood poisoning and a lot of discomfort.. do you really think your Jesus.. you presume so much and lower the meaning of his death.We have the life as Chritians today because Gods son gave his life to save us all......