RSSQUEZON CITY, Philippines (UCAN) — San Pedro, scene of stage crucifixions each Good Friday, has this year banned foreigners from taking part in the ritual which is frowned on by the Church.
Councilor Jimmy Lazatin said the move was designed to keep the ritual’s “solemnity.” He said a tourist last year had made fun of the “rites.”
Despite its popularity, the archdiocese frowns on the tradition known as the Cutud.
“The Cutud is a tourist activity drawing thousands of people yearly but does nothing for the teachings of the Church,” said Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David of San Fernando, Pampanga province.
“The archdiocese tolerates the Cutud, but would rather it not take place.
“It is folk religiosity but not one we favor at all,” he said.
“Whether or not foreigners take part in the ceremony is no concern to us [diocesan Church officials],” Bishop David said. He added that crucifixion is “not good” for anyone.
Public crucifixions in San Pedro Cutud village, 70 kilometers from Manila, began in 1962 when aspiring faith healer Artemio Anoza, acting as Christ in a play had himself nailed to a cross.
Re-enacting Christ’s passion and death
On Good Friday, officials of San Pedro in San Fernando organize the Cutud festival attempting to reenact the passion and death of Christ.
Thousands watch and take part in various forms of Holy Week “penitentiary rite” including flagellation, carrying a cross up a hill and being nailed to it.
Father Arnulfo Serrano, parish priest of Santo Nino parish near San Pedro, told UCA News his parish has no interest in Cutud and focuses on liturgical celebrations of the Church.
“The Church does not sanction these private pious acts” and parishioners know it, the pastor said.
“When some of my parishioners join the scourging on Holy Thursday, most cover their faces so we would not recognize them,” he said.
He notes some flagellants believe they are doing “penance” and strengthening their faith.
Priests make themselves available for extra hours hearing confessions and inviting Catholics to fast and do charitable work, he said.
“Some of our practices for Lent and Holy week have a rich tradition here, such as Dakit Kordero,” Father Serrano pointed out.
“We use all the official rites of the Church as well and do not need the Cutud,” the parish priest said.
The Dakit is a reenactment of the Last Supper.
PL09173.1593 March 19, 2010 45 EM-lines (392 words)
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