'Crucifixion during Holy Week a tradition gone astray'

MANILA, Philippines - Pampanga Archbishop Paciano Aniceto yesterday said the tradition of some people to be crucified as a demonstration of their sacrifice during Holy Week is one of the Filipino practices that has “gone astray.”

“This tradition or Lenten practices are age-long practices and you cannot just renew or transform them. The Church asks you to deny yourself through mortification, prayer and sacrifice. So it is more of self control rather than physical infliction on our body. The body is the temple of God. It is something sacred and it is a gift of God,” he added.

The Pampanga prelate added that there are some barangay officials who encourage crucifixion because they want to boost tourism in their area.

While he could not prove it, he said money is involved in these Good Friday crucifixions. Those who would agree to be tied or nailed to a cross would sometimes receive payments.

Instead of being nailed to a cross, those who are looking for repentance could instead listen to the exhortation of the Church. “The Church does not ask you to punish yourself corporally.”

He said they could join the 14 Stations of the Cross and the meditation on the passion and death of Jesus. They could also sign up for Lenten recollections.

“But you know Christianity is not easy to learn... there are even those couples that still backslide... It is not easy to remain steadfast and faithful. Every year we encounter these problems,” Aniceto said.