This is really disturbing… Catholics in the Philippines are re-enacting the crucifixion for Easter, but not just by acting. In the Philippines, a group of Catholic devotees continues a controversial Good Friday practice that openly disregards guidance from the Vatican and local Church authorities. Each year, participants voluntarily undergo real crucifixion—allowing themselves to be nailed to wooden crosses in a ritual that many observers say sits uneasily between sincere religious expression and extreme superstition. This ritual takes place annually in the village of San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga province. What began roughly six decades ago as a dramatized stage performance eventually transformed into literal crucifixion by the 1980s. By 2017, seven individuals took part, including Ruben Enaje, a 57-year-old sign painter marking his 32nd crucifixion, and Maryjane Sazon, a 39-year-old salon worker. During the reenactment, performers dressed as Roman soldiers hammer nails—typically treated with alcohol—through the hands and feet of participants. The spectacle lasts only a few minutes, but it draws large crowds of spectators. Observers often describe the phenomenon as a “unique brand of Catholicism,” reflecting a blend of traditional Church beliefs and localized folk practices. The Philippines itself is the third-largest Catholic country in the world, adding to the global attention this event receives. See it here — WARNING: could be very disturbing to some viewers: Catholic leadership has repeatedly spoken out against these reenactments, describing them as a distortion of Christian teaching. Archbishop Socrates Villegas has encouraged believers to give blood to organizations like the Red Cross rather than inflict harm on themselves. Bishop Joel Baylon has emphasized the importance of “real conversion” instead of physical acts of penance, while Archbishop Aniceto Paciano has reminded the faithful that the human body is a “temple” that should not be subjected to injury. Despite such statements—issued consistently for years—the practice continues. Although the Church does not endorse these events, it also lacks the means to actively prevent them, particularly when participants claim their actions are motivated by faith, vows, or a desire for divine intervention. Over time, the crucifixion reenactments have become a major attraction, drawing thousands of visitors and international media coverage to rural communities north of Manila. Local officials acknowledge that tourism associated with the event provides economic benefits, especially in poorer agricultural areas. Some critics argue that the financial incentives may be overshadowing genuine religious devotion. Still, participants maintain that their experiences are deeply spiritual. Ruben Enaje, for example, attributes his survival from a previous accident to divine help and insists he feels little to no pain during the crucifixion itself. Safety measures are taken, including sanitizing nails and limiting time on the cross to about five minutes. Documented footage from recent years shows consistent elements such as whipping rituals and the wearing of thorn-like crowns. The continuation of these crucifixions underscores a broader tension within Philippine Catholicism. While roughly 80 percent of the population identifies as Catholic, local traditions—especially in rural areas—often operate independently of official Church direction. Village leaders typically organize the events, while bishops issue condemnations without enforcement power. This dynamic reflects a fusion of influences: Catholicism introduced during Spanish colonial rule combined with indigenous spiritual beliefs. For many participants, the ritual is tied to hopes for healing, protection, or relief from hardship. At the same time, Church officials maintain that such practices misrepresent core Christian teachings and detract from what they view as the true meaning of Christ’s sacrifice. While devotees interpret their actions as acts of devotion, critics within the Church see them as misguided expressions that risk replacing sound doctrine with superstition. If you ask me, this is completely wrong and should be stopped immediately.