Audio By Carbonatix
A Filipino Catholic man playing the role of Jesus Christ in a yearly Good Friday reenactment of his crucifixion has been nailed to a wooden cross for the 33rd consecutive time last week.
58-year-old Ruben Enaje, from the barangay of San Pedro Cutud, in San Fernando City, has been volunteering to get nailed to a cross on Good Friday since the 80s, but recently announced that next year will be his last impersonating Jesus Christ.
He is currently looking for a successor willing to have four-inch nails driven into his hands and feet and get lifted on a large wooden cross for about five minutes, every Good Friday. He also wants that person to be humble and not brag about their special role.
“I want to only do this until next year,” Enaje told Reuters. “What I’m looking for in my successor is that he serves as a good role model in his community and a person with good manners and values, not someone who would boast about the role or be too proud.”
The tradition of reenacting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in San Pedro Cutud dates back to 1962, and is believed to have been inspired by the a play written by a local playwright.
It has become one of the most popular religious festivals in the Philippines, attracting thousands of Christian onlookers every year. However, it’s also a very controversial event.
Both Catholic leaders and public health officials condemn the practice of crucifixion and have been trying to discourage people from taking part in the yearly festival.
Although wounds caused by the metal nails take up to two weeks to heal, religious fanatics who volunteer to get nailed to a cross say it’s a small price to pay for the opportunity to express their faith in a special way.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
All 6 MPC members voted for policy rate hold of 14%, citing inflation outlook concerns
15 minutes -
The Visionary Rhythms Band to share their story on E Vibes this weekend
2 hours -
Newsfile to discuss NITA Bill, xenophobia concerns and 2023 African Games
2 hours -
Ghana farmers’ burning practices fuel growing air pollution and environmental crises
2 hours -
Unrivalled thrills, unmissable action: An epic sporting weekend
2 hours -
Mfantsipim launches 150th Anniversary Awards and Fundraising Dinner
2 hours -
TreeAid Ghana in partnership with Nviron Hive launch land restoration and livelihood project
3 hours -
Ashanti Region GJA urges journalists to protect ethics and public trust above politics
3 hours -
Beyond import bans: Rethinking Ghana’s rice importation crisis
3 hours -
DBG confronts ‘unclean’ menstruation myth as Tepa SHS, others benefit from menstrual hygiene drive
3 hours -
There should be no mass gathering without a hand-washing station – Health Minister
3 hours -
GCB Bank deepens efforts in sustainable financing drive
4 hours -
Yazz intensifies nationwide fight against period poverty with school outreach campaign
4 hours -
ECG sets June 5 to complete major power network upgrade in Greater Kumasi
4 hours -
Curbing period poverty: VOWAC Ghana to establish dignity kit bank in segregated schools
4 hours