A man from San Pedro Cutud in the Philippines took part in his 27th crucifixion this week according to a report by the Inquirer Central Luzon.
As thousands of people celebrated Good Friday with their loved ones and friends, some took part in mock crucifixions like 51-year-old Ruben Enaje.
Enaje for example had to carry the cross he was going to be nailed to for miles just like Jesus did the night he was crucified. The man stated before the crucifixion that he will continue with the ceremony until "a proper substitute for him is found" according to the Inquirer Central Luzon.
"We do this because of our faith not because we're paid," said Enaje to Reuters. "Two years ago, I said it would be the last time I'd do it. But every time I say that, my wife gets sick. I guess God wants me to continue this sacrifice as a lifetime vow."
Cutud village Chief Remingo de la Cruz said to the Inquirer last week that he's asked Enaje to "extend his panata (religious vow) for as long as his body can endure."
De la Cruz stated that one man has expressed willingness to take Enaje's part but the man doesn't meet standards that are "pleasing to God."
"The devout Catholics among our village mates are offended by this man," De la Cruz said, declining to identify him or elaborate on his habits to avoid any quarrel with the man or his family.
Enaje's first nine crucifixions, which started in 1986, were "acts of gratitude" after he fell from a three-story building he was painting in Tarlac City in 1985 and didn't suffer any injuries according to the Inquirer.
The man survived the incident that could have cost him his life, and since then he has been thanking and praising God for letting "him continue his life."
He stretched the devotion for another nine years to seek good health for his eldest daughter. He devoted the next nine for his wife's healing according to the Inquirer.
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