Pampanga's 'Kristo' to retire after one last crucifixion

The preparations for the coming Holy Week activities in Cutud, San Fernando in Pampanga are underway, two years after public gatherings were prohibited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The panata of devotee Ruben Enaje, however, may end this year.

Enaje, who as an expression of his devotion is nailed to the cross during Holy Week for 34 years is set to retire, according to Oscar Oida’s “24 Oras” report on Thursday.

“Kasi nararamdaman ko na yung katawan ko hindi na kaya (I can feel that my body cannot do it anymore),” he said.

The local government unit in Pampanga has allowed the resumption of crucifixion, self-flagellation, and carrying of the cross traditionally held in Barangay Cutud in San Fernando.

Enaje is one of those devotees crucified on Good Friday in the reenactment of the Passion of Christ.

This year, he is praying that the spread of COVID-19 infections will come to an end.

Barangay officials, meanwhile, reminded those who will watch the event to continue following health protocols by wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing.

“Yung pong face mask at saka social distancing po (Wearing of face masks and maintaining social distancing),” Barangay San Pedro Kagawad Filipina Dela Cruz said.

Catholic devotion

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said that reenactment of the crucifixion is not part of the tradition of the Catholic Church.

"Ito naman ay ginagawa ng ibang mga tao na naniniwala na kapag sila ay nagpapako sa krus o 'di kaya naglatigo ng sarili, mapapatawad 'yung kanilang kasalanan that is very contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church kasi kung pagpapatawad ng kasalanan ang pinag-uusapan, kumpisal ang kina-kailangan ng isang nagkasala,” CBCP Fr. Jerome Seciliano said.

(This is done by people who believe that when they crucified themselves to the cross or self-flagellation, their sins will be forgiven that is very contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church because if they are talking about forgiveness of sins, they must go to confession.)

The leaders of the Church said Holy Week is a time for repentance of sins and conversion. Devotees are encouraged perform acts of penance beyond Lent and incorporate these in daily way. -- Richa Noriega/BAP, GMA Integrated News