DOH Reminds Penitents, Flagellants this Holy Week: Be Safe

As the nation once again observes Holy Week starting Monday, the Department of Health (DOH) is reminding the public to be careful in engaging in crucifixion or being nailed on the cross and self-flagellation to express remorse of sorrow for their sins and wrongdoings.

According to DOH spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee-Suy, while the department is not in a position to really question such practice among some Catholic devotees, extreme care must be observed by the people who are engaging into such activities during the Lenten season.

In some areas of the country, particularly in Central Luzon, some Catholic devotees have themselves nailed to wooden crosses in a reenactment of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion on Good Friday.

Another form of repentance for sins is self-flagellation, which is the act of hitting oneself with a whip or various other objects.

“What we really want to point out here is for them (referring to those doing the repentance by act of hurting themselves) to ensure that they do it in a safe way — that their body will not be exposed to infection,” Dr. Lee-Suy said.

In case of crucifixion, he explained that if the method and the nail use in the process is not clean or exposed to dirt, there is a tendency for tetanus infection that may happen on the part of the one who engages in the penance.

He said that tetanus infection can lead to death if a flaggelant or penitent is not given early anti-tetanus shots or proper treatment.

Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious but preventable disease that affects the body’s muscles and nerves. It typically arises from a skin wound that becomes contaminated by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani, which is often found in soil.

Tetanus infection can be caused by dirty and rusty nails or acquired from dirty or unsanitary place where the crucifixion is conducted.

Dr. Lee Suy said it is important that people who are engaging in such activities will also ensure that they cleanse themselves and seek the necessary first aid or medical doctor afterwards.

The practice of crucifixion during the Lenten season is still being observed in some parts of the country, like in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

Hierarchy of the Catholic Church had earlier told devotees that the death of Jesus Christ on the cross thousands of years ago has already led to human salvation and there is no need for anybody to reenact it.

The Church instead encourages fasting, abstinence, prayers and confession as a form of repentance. (PNA) SCS/LSJ/PJN