Despite his age, 64-year-old Ruben Enaje of Brgy. Cutud, City of San Fernando, Pampanga continues his decades-long Holy Week vow of crucifixion — a tradition he’s upheld for 36 years.
Known as the “Jesus of Pampanga,” Enaje is set to be nailed to the cross again this year, offering his sacrifice for national peace and for victims of the recent earthquake in Myanmar.
This year, the wooden cross he will carry has been lightened from 37 to 28 kilos. But the weight of his devotion, he says, has never lessened.
While the Catholic Church does not officially encourage self-crucifixion, it acknowledges the deep cultural and religious roots of this Good Friday ritual observed in Pampanga.
Now on his 36th re-enactment of Christ’s suffering, Enaje says his act is not for personal intentions but a prayer for all Filipinos—to be spared from violence—and for those devastated by calamities.