A Catholic devotee was nailed to the cross in sweltering heat north of the Philippines capital Manila on Good Friday (April 3) in a re-enactment of Jesus Christ's crucifixion.

Sixty-five year old Ruben Enaje played the part of Christ, carrying the cross, and being kicked and mocked by people dressed as Roman soldiers lining the 'way of the cross'.

Enaje had a two‑inch nail, sterilised in alcohol, driven through his hands and feet before being hoisted onto the cross. Two others were tied to the neighbouring crosses, their bodies supported with ropes and fabric during the brief crucifixion.

While on the cross, Enaje said he prayed for an end to the conflict in the Middle East.

"We are praying for an end to the conflict in the Middle East... The whole world is being affected by what has been happening," he said.

The ritual took place in Cutud, a village north of Manila, and drew hundreds of local and foreign spectators. What began as a small community stage play in the 1960s has developed into one of the Philippines’ most visually striking religious traditions.

The crucifixions were the most extreme display of faith in the Philippines, where about 80% of its more than 110 million people identify as Roman Catholics. Christians believe Jesus died on the cross to pay for the sins of humanity and rose from the grave three days later.

During Holy Week, some devotees flagellate themselves with bamboo whips, an act they believe to be penance that will wash away their sins, cure illness and lead to blessings. The Catholic Church disapproves of such actions, saying that prayers and sincere repentance are enough to commemorate Lent.

The crucifixions form part of Holy Week, which runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday and is regarded as one of the most sacred periods in the Philippine religious calendar.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

1. FILIPINO CATHOLIC DEVOTEE RUBEN ENAJE, PERFORMING AS CHRIST, WALKING / ENAJE FALLING AND BEING WHIPPED BY MEN DRESSED AS ROMAN GUARDS

2. DEVOTEES DRESSED IN COSTUMES

3. NAIL BEING HAMMERED INTO ENAJE'S HAND

4. ENAJE ON CROSS, CROSS BEING HOISTED UP

5. ENAJE ON CROSS

6. DEVOTEES IN COSTUMES KNEELING

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) 65 YEAR-OLD CATHOLIC DEVOTEE, RUBEN ENAJE, SAYING:

"Even under the sweltering heat, just like others, we are praying for an end to the conflict in the Middle East. That is what I prayed for while I was on the cross. The whole world is being affected by what has been happening."

8. VARIOUS OF TOURISTS WATCHING

9. (SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRIAN NATIONAL GEORGE, SAYING:

"You can read about it in the gospels. You hear it in mass in Holy Week now, but yeah, it's completely different when you see it live."

10. DEVOTEES ON WOODEN CROSSES

11. WHITE CLOTH BEING PUT AROUND ENAJE

12. CROWD WATCHING

13. (SOUNDBITE) (English) AMERICAN NATIONAL, JUSTIN MARTELL, SAYING:

"I must say, every year it gets more and more spectacular and I would say closer to God each year, and it's always great to see that. And only in the Philippines can you experience something like this, a true show driven by true faith."

14. ENAJE BEING RELEASED FROM CROSS

15. ENAJE BEING LIFTED DOWN FROM CROSS

16. VARIOUS OF PROCESSION WITH ENAJE BEING CARRIED AWAY FROM CROSS