Vatican praises Filipino Lenten practices, asks Catholics to emulate them

55-year-old Ruben “Mang Ben Kristo” Enaje in San Fernando, Pampanga. Source: Flickr; resolute

A cardinal from the Vatican City said early Maundy Thursday that the Vatican recognizes the Lenten practices of Filipino Catholics and kindly asks Catholics around the world to have corporal punishment as penance.

Filipinos are known for their observance of Lent, being a predominantly Catholic country, including scourging themselves while parading on the streets, and real-life crucifixions with real nails driven to hands and feet.

"We think that it is time to show our faith as one flock with Christ as our shepherd," said the cardinal in a prepared speech. "Let us all suffer the way our Lord suffered, the way our Filipino brethren have practiced for decades."

San Pedro Cutud in San Fernando Pampanga is one of the places in the Philippines where crucifixion takes place as an annual tradition during Good Friday.

Penitents carry wooden crosses and repeatedly whip themselves for the forgiveness of their sins. This culminates to an actual nailing of penitents to wooden crosses.

Last year, at least 18 men were crucified and hung up on crosses while foreign and local tourists flock and spectated under the hot sun.

"I'm doing this for my family," said one of the devotees. According to him, so far he was being rewarded by God in keeping his family safe.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Malacañang said that they welcome the Vatican's endorsement, saying that it would "greatly help the tourism sector of the country."

This news article is a satire.