People are mostly familiar about some devotees who would put their selves on the brink of danger by allowing their bodies to be nailed to the cross in the middle of hot afternoon during Black Friday. Aside from crucifixion, they also do other penance as well to show their devotion during Holy Week.
But is it truly a show of devotion? Or just a show for the on-lookers who came to watch them. The crucifixion in Kapitangan, Paombong was viewed by a crowd of 2000 who jam-packed the small vicinity of Kapitangan church to witness men who chose the hard way of penance.
Orlando Faustino, president of Samahang Hudyo Res in Paombong Bulacan, said what they are doing during Holy Week is for them to show their devotion and sacrifice and not for the sake of money.
Their organization is the one organizing the crucifixion in Kapitangan. Faustino stressed that their ceremonies are not for entertainment but show of sacrifice whereas the crucifixion in Cutud, Pampanga is paid, meaning there's money involved.
Rogelio Tanael, who was already crucified seven times makes sure that his devotion for God is true, Holy Week or not. "After I was crucified, I usually have normal prayers and images of saints in my house, it reminds me that I can't do this(referring to bad things)."
"It would be a shame if they will see negative things on me," added Tanael.
But Sineng Gonzales, senior resident of Kapitangan is not on to this crucifixion and other kinds of hard penance. She stressed that they just beating their body too hard that it might take a toll on them. Plus she even stated that some of this devotees after Holy Week gets back to their old bad habits like drinking, gambling, and even worse, adultery.
For example, her son, who she denied to tell the name voluntarily crucified for three times but betrayed his wife by having a relationship to another woman.
Monsignor Epitacio Castro of Paombong, Bulacan explained that there are other ways of penance that Catholics could do during Holy Week like reducing on buying of foods, they could give their savings to those who in need, that according to him is better compared to beating oneself's body.
He said the true meaning of Holy Week is changing of mind, heart and ways instead of changing of physical by hurting their own body.
"Go to Kapitangan now, there are so many people who are doing those kind of penance, but the question is does it change his/her life after the penance? Not really, because some of them just resume to being a heavy drinker or gambler, then they are just showing-off," said Msgr. Castro.
"So sometimes it just turns out to be a tourist attraction, so many by-standers, some taking pictures, some tourist watching but they are not meditating for the Holy Week," he added.
The Monsignor hopes that the people who are doing this kind of physical penance, really feels sorry for the sins that they committed. He believes the some of them might be sincere after all.
Some might be sincere, some maybe not, but this kind of hard penance is definitely a part of the activities during Lent Season.
