A villager in the Philippines is preparing to be crucified for the 35th time as part of a Good Friday tradition. Ruben Enaje, a 63-year-old carpenter and sign painter, will reenact Jesus Christ’s suffering, praying for peace in Ukraine, Gaza, and the disputed South China Sea.
Enaje and seven other villagers have registered for the real-life crucifixions, which have become an annual religious spectacle drawing hundreds of tourists in rural communities in Pampanga province.
The tradition, paused for three years due to the pandemic, resumed last year. Enaje, who plays the role of "Christ," considered ending his annual penitence due to his age but couldn't turn down requests to pray for sick relatives and others in need.
He expressed concern about the impact of global conflicts on innocent people, citing the rising prices of oil, gas, and food due to wars in Ukraine and Gaza, affecting even the Philippines.
Enaje also highlighted the territorial dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, expressing worry about the conflict's lopsided nature. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to praying for peace globally, including relief for people affected by natural disasters in the Philippines.
The crucifixions, part of the Philippines' unique Catholicism blending church traditions with folk practices, have faced criticism from church leaders who advocate for alternative expressions of faith like charity work.
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