How to crucify yourself

Health officials in the Philippines, where self-flagellation and crucifixion are popular practices among Catholics during Holy Week, have issued some guidelines for those going up on the cross this week. Health Secretary Francisco Duque says: 1) get shots of gamma globulin or anti-tetanus 2) the six-inch nails used for crucifixion must be thoroughly sterilised 3) […]

Health officials in the Philippines, where self-flagellation and crucifixion are popular practices among Catholics during Holy Week, have issued some guidelines for those going up on the cross this week.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque says:

1) get shots of gamma globulin or anti-tetanus


2) the six-inch nails used for crucifixion must be thoroughly sterilised

3) the crucified and flagellated must take antibiotics while their wounds heal.

3) whips used by the flagellants must be clean and well-maintained

“This advice is important to make sure that no one will land in the hospital due to tetanus or other infections penitents might get in the process,” said Duque. “We are not trying to go against the Lenten tradition here because whipping has somewhat become some form of ‘atonement for sins’ for some of us.”

You can see one such crucifiction here, but be warned that it’s pretty graphic.

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