Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma discouraged the practice of some Filipinos to be nailed on the cross on Good Friday.Palma issued the statement following reports that 20 people would be crucified on April 6 in Barangays Pedro Catud, Santa Lucia and San Juan, all in Pampanga.
Veritas that while penitents have their own reasons for wanting to be nailed on the cross, he reminded them that the Catholic Church frowns on these practices.
“We do not judge and condemn but we discourage it. There might be some who have made a vow (of getting nailed on the cross) and if they don’t do it, they will feel guilty,” he said.
Instead, Palma urged them take part in Holy Week activities such as Palm Sunday, Passion of the Lord, Paschal Triduum, Chrism Mass, the Last Supper and the Seven Last Words.
Emeritus Novaliches Bishop Teodoro Bacani asked the faithful to look for other ways to show their repentance for their sins instead of inflicting pain on themselves by being nailed on the cross.
“One way of paying for your sins is by showing concern, doing good deeds to others, and helping people. This is what they should do instead of punishing themselves,” Bacani added.
Boac Marinduque Bishop Rey Evangelista also advised the youth to refrain from playing loud music during the Holy Week.
Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo called on politicians not take advantage of the Holy Week to campaign for the 2013 elections.
Meanwhile, religious leaders appealed to government troops and rebels to observe a Holy Week truce.
Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso said it is unfortunate that soldiers and communist insurgents would continue to fight even during the Lenten season.
“I hope that both sides would declare a ceasefire as a sign of respect in our observance of Lent. The Lenten season is also a time for peace and reconciliation,” Medroso added.
Jolo Bishop Angelito Lampon said a ceasefire must be observed between government troops and the Moro insurgents in Mindanao.
Malacañang earlier announced that it would not be declaring a truce with the communist rebels this Holy Week.