CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Famed penitent Ruben Enaje will be crucified for the 31st time on Good Friday, April 14, in line with the observance of Holy Week in this city.
City Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan, one of the officials in-charge of the Holy Week re-enactment of the passion and death of Christ known as Via Crucis, said that Enaje will be joined by dozens of penitents and flagellants who will voluntarily inflict themselves to self-punishment as a way of repentance.
The City Government, which has been observing Lenten rites or Maleldo for over 50 years now, will set up a make-shift Calvary in Barangay San Pedro Cutud here where the Christ’s passion will be depicted and at least three actors, including Enaje, will be nailed to crosses.
Aside from Barangay San Pedro Cutud, two other villages, namely, San Juan and Sta. Lucia, will also serve as crucifixion sites for penitents.
Pangilinan said that for tourists who wish to witness the Maleldo rites, they should coordinate with barangay officials for registration.
“It will be different this year because barangays will be the ones who will organize and will only be assisted by the city government,” she said.