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In Pictures: Re-enacting Jesus’ crucifixion

Easter celebrations in one Philippine village include re-enacting the events leading up to the death of Jesus.

Hooded penitents, barefoot and tied with homemade whips, flagellate themselves as part of an annual Easter tradition in the village of Lourdes.
By Vincent Go
Published On 21 Apr 2014

Angeles City, Philippines – Each year on Good Friday, the village of Lourdes in the Philippines performs the “Passion play”, a re-enactment of the events leading up to Jesus Christ’s execution. The public performance concludes with the actual nailing of three penitents to wooden crosses atop a hill.

The event draws thousands of spectators – both foreign and local – to these extreme displays of devotion.

Hundreds of hooded penitents flagellate themselves with whips and bamboo sticks, or carry huge, heavy crosses as a sign of religious devotion. Even children imitate the penitents with their own whips, instilling the tradition in the next generation.

The participants, who travel from across the country, believe that flagellation and crucifixions are ways to redeem their sins.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) strongly discourages such practises, reminding the faithful to express their love for God by sharing with the poor instead.

“This week is holy not because of the shame and humiliation that Jesus endured. This week is holy because God filled this week with infinite love,” CBCP President Archbishop Socrates Villegas said in a message posted on his Facebook page.

 

 

The public procession is part of the "Passion play", a re-enactment of the events leading up to Jesus Christ(***)s execution.
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Some religious participants tie and nail themselves to crucifixes. 
Penitents flagellate themselves as a way to redeem themselves of sins.
Some children imitate the penitents with their own whips.
Penitents flagellate themselves with whips tied with bamboo sticks.
Penitents travel long distances under the scorching sun while carrying heavy wooden crosses.
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Actors playing Roman centurions discuss the programme before the climatic crucifixion.
Actors re-enact the crucifixion of Christ in a large open field in the village.
The public performance climaxes with the actual nailing of three penitents to wooden crosses atop a hill.