A 63-year-old carpenter and sign painter from a rural village in Pampanga province, Philippines, is set to undergo the brutal tradition of being nailed to a wooden cross for the 35th time.
Ruben Enaje plans to reenact Jesus Christ’s suffering on Good Friday, dedicating his act to pray for peace in regions marred by conflict, including Ukraine, Gaza, and the disputed South China Sea.
Enaje, along with seven other villagers, will participate in the real-life crucifixions, which have become an annual spectacle drawing hundreds of tourists. Last year, the gory ritual resumed after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reaffirming Enaje’s status as a village celebrity for his portrayal of “Christ” in the Lenten reenactment of the Way of the Cross.
Despite his age, Enaje expressed his commitment to the tradition, citing requests from villagers to pray for various ailments and personal hardships. He acknowledged considering ending his annual penitence but ultimately couldn’t refuse the pleas of his community.