More than 17 people were willingly nailed to wooden crosses in the Philippines today in a Good Friday re-enactment of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.
Under the watch of villagers posing as Roman centurions, the men were crucified for a few minutes as part of a religious reenactment that occurs yearly, the AP reports. Daily Mail writes that the 2012 Good Friday re-enactment drew an estimated crowd of 10,000 worshipers. Many take part to atone for sins, pray for the sick or for a better life, or to give thanks for what they believe were miracles.
Ruben Enaje, a painter, 51, took part in the crucifixions for the 26th time today. He began taking part in the annual event to give thanks after he survived falling from a building.
"This is a spiritual vow as a way of thanking God for sparing my life. Even if the Church bans it, we will still keep doing it," Enaje is quoted as saying by the UK's Telegraph.
Church leaders have condemned the practice which they believe are a distortion of the true Easter message.
