Holy week

In the Philippines the people are celebrating the Holy Week in different ways. In the Province of Pampanga in Northern Luzon (North of Manila) many are following the scripture of the Bible and try to do everything in the same way. Many years ago people started to punish themselves in the public for their faults and mistakes and try also to show, what Jesus had to suffer on his way to the cross.

So it became a very famous place for visitors from all over the world to experience the crucifixion of People. Pondering why the nails do not hurt them, they take pictures and observe the event. Usually one or more volunteers are being crucified. All the people around are in costumes somehow like the Romans or the Jewish in the ancient world.

Even if the people use this occasion to follow Jesus on his hurtful path to the cross, it is not easy to concentrate to celebrate this day adequate. To follow Jesus in his pain, his thoughts and feelings it needs truly an open heart and brain more than being crucified. The Bishops always tell the people not to hurt themselves, but to change their life, so that it will be more a blessing for them and others.

Picture: A man being crucified in Sta. Lucia.