It is crucifixion day again in the Philippines as dozens of Catholics allowed themselves to be nailed to crosses as people cheered every nail pounded into their hands. A far greater number of devotees beat themselves bloody with whips to experience the torments of Christ.

This year’s display of self-mutilation occurred at Cutud in Angeles City in Pampanga, about 50 miles north of Manila. One man, Ruben Inaje, 48, explained “This is my own way of thanking the Lord. He has showered my family with so much blessings and has saved my life many times.” One wonders if a prayer and a couple of votive might have sufficed. Inaje is a repeated crucifee: “I will never get tired doing this every year. This is my personal devotion and I will continue this until the Lord allows my body to endure the pain.”

The practice occurred in various cities and is so common that the Health Department actually issued guidelines on proper hygiene and good practices in crucifixions — something the Romans conspicuously lacked.
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