This is serious. Filipino Catholics nailed to crosses in annual Good Friday ritual

Devout Catholics in the Philippines had their hands and feet nailed to crosses and their backs whipped in an annual re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus today.

Easter is the most important time of year for many of the country’s 80 million Catholics, with some show their believes by having their backs slashed open with broken bottles, razors and whips and walking barefoot to the rural district of San Juan before being hammered to a cross.

The act has been discouraged by senior-ranking members of the clergy but they say the ritual has huge economic benefits for the surrounding area, with foreign tourists travelling from across the globe to watch.They witness about 60,000 spectators every year.

The bloody practice started in Europe, but they put a stop to it in the17th century, the Philippines – known for its fervent brand of Catholicism – continued the tradition.

A 50-year-old participant Wilfredo Salvador told AFP that his faith got him through his illness and that he will continue.

He said, 'It was painful up there, but I felt light. I can’t explain it. I would say my faith is very strong.’

Local San Juan residents will dress up as Roman soldiers in some cases to ‘assist’ in the crucifixions, while those taken part may have bears drawn on so they better resemble Jesus Christ.

It’s not just the crucifixion reenactment that draws worshippers.  Last year, a procession of Christ’s image in Manila drew 5.5 million barefoot believers.

Culled from Dailymail