Peter's Basilica traditionally includes the blessing of ointments and priests' renewal of promises made when they were ordained to the priesthood. 'Our ideals seem to recede in the face of reality, a certain force of habit takes over, and the difficulties that once seemed unimaginable appear to challenge our fidelity.'
'Sooner or later, we all experience disappointment, frustration and our own weaknesses,' Francis said. The pontiff did not refer to the scandals or church hierarchy coverups directly, but he spoke of 'crisis' affecting priests. Very different scenes were observed in the Vatican this week.įrancis used his Maundy Thursday homily as a pep talk to a sea of priests, all dressed in crisp white robes, after decades of scandals involving sex abuse of children by clergy caused many faithful to lose trust in their pastors. The Pope, who is leading Maundy Thursday and Holy Week celebrations, has long condemned the practice and along with government health officials has urged Filipino devotees to refrain from self-inflicted pain during the Lent season.īut the rituals are a long-standing part of the region's activities for Holy Week and local officials are keen to see them resume. Several worshippers volunteer to be nailed to a cross in a gruesome re-enactment of the crucifixion of their saviour Jesus Christ - the ultimate expression of devotion to their faith.īut earlier this year, local governments approved their citizens to restart the practice and worshippers turned out in force. Some lie down and allow bystanders to hit them with wooden bats, and others collapse as they are overcome with agony.īut a select few take their penitence one step further. The practice is conducted every year to allow worshippers to 'atone' for their sins - and is strongly discouraged by the Pope who has labelled the act 'extreme'.īlood drips down their backs as they stumble several miles through the city streets. Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter and is observed by millions of Christians worldwide in commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ and his disciples.Ĭhristians believe that Jesus commanded his followers to love each other and washed their feet during the meal, and in many countries the day is still observed by washing one's feet.īut in the Filipino city of San Fernando, the feet of devout Catholics are instead stained with dirt and blood as they walk through the streets barefoot and blindfolded, mercilessly flagellating themselves with bamboo sticks and chain-link whips. These are the scenes of Maundy Thursday in the Philippines, where devoted Catholics beat themselves into unconsciousness in horrifying ritualistic practices.
People passed out in the streets from the pain.
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