Newsletter Newsletters Events Events Podcasts Videos Africanews
Loader
Advertisement

Filipino Catholics perform bloody ritual

Filipino Catholics perform bloody ritual
Copyright 
By Atack Patrick
Published on
Share Comments
Share Close Button

Hundreds of Catholics in the Philippines are celebrating the pre-Easter festival Maundy Thursday.

Hundreds of Catholics in the Philippines are celebrating the pre-Easter festival Maundy Thursday.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

They mark the crucifixion of Christ by flagellating, or whipping, themselves to honour the suffering of Jesus.

The worshippers walk the streets of Manila with their heads covered with red or black cloth, hitting themselves with weapons made of chains and wood.

As part of the bloody ritual, devotees lay on their front, arms outstretched in prayer, and others hit their backs and backsides with wooden panels.

The rituals are seen as a way for devotees to atone for their sins, and protect family members.

Go to accessibility shortcuts
Share Comments

Read more

Israel army investigating after soldier seen desecrating Virgin Mary statue in Lebanon

Saydnaya residents demand links between notorious Syrian prison and holy city must end

Pope Leo XIV condemns ‘lust for power’ and inequality in Equatorial Guinea