Virus-hit Philippines calls off ritual crucifixions

Monday, March 16th, 2020

The Philippines’ crucifixion reenactments will be canceled this year as coronavirus cases climb, said authorities in the city where the annual tourist spectacle is held.

About a dozen Catholics regularly have themselves nailed to wooden crosses on Good Friday as penance for their sins. The event attracts thousands of tourists.

This year’s rituals were planned for farming villages around San Fernando city, north of the capital Manila on April 10, but local officials have stopped the event to prevent mass gatherings and a potential spread of the virus. Read more

Additional reading

News category: News Shorts, World.

Tags: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Philippines, Ritual crucifixion

Disquiet over the NZ bishops’ abuse apology letter perplexing

Fr Joe Grayland’s disquiet over the NZ bishops’ apology (Cathnews 18/11/24) is perplexing. In a letter that needed to be short, it is hard to know what language the bishops could have used to make their apology more comprehensive than Read more

Fifth Gospel Living – book review

Simple, sweet, sometimes heart-breaking, and always invigorating, Fifth Gospel Living is the latest publication from Fr John O’Connor and his Food for Faith ministry. It comprises stories of personal encounters with God. The 96 reflections are the result of a Read more

Treaty of Waitangi should be considered as a covenant relationship

A hīkoi opposing the Treaty Principles Bill has made its way to Wellington. Those who took part in the hīkoi, along with supporters around the country, both Māori and non-Māori, consider the Bill to be a betrayal of the commitments Read more

CathNews New Zealand