INSTEAD of going to the sea to wash his wounded hands and feet after the crucifixion, Gilbert Bargayo went to a local hospital after reportedly suffering from severe bleeding.
Bargayo, 58, who had himself crucified for the 25th time last Good Friday in Tuburan, Cebu, did not stay long on the cross and had to be taken to the Tuburan District Hospital after his right palm bled profusely.
The man assigned to hammer the nails on Bargayo reportedly hit a bone in his right palm.
“First time to nako kusog ang bleeding sa dugo sa akong tuo nga kamot. Nasipyat imbis nga diri mogawas ang lansang, natapsingan ang bukog (It was the first time I bled a lot. He missed. The nail was supposed to go through one area, but it hit a bone instead),” Bargayo told Sun.Star SuperBalita.
Bargayo, however, was not confined in the hospital. He was declared out of danger after treatment.
Tradition
Having himself nailed on the cross has become a tradition for Bargayo. He started at the age of 30, but had to skip the tradition thrice because of health-related concerns.
In Tuburan, Bargayo’s crucifixion was witnessed by at least 5,000 people. The activity was part of the Siete Palabras the Municipal Government organized.
Tuburan Mayor Democrito Diamante said it was the sixth time Bargayo performed in that town. “Ang Tuburanon man gud majority sa mga molupyo diri mga Katoliko. Mao na nakita nato nga ang uban nalimot na ni Jesus Christ kon giunsa niya pagpalansang sa krus para pagtubos sa atong mga sala,” the mayor said.
He said it was one way of helping Catholics, especially the young, see just how extreme a sacrifice Jesus Christ made to save everyone from sin.
Diamante said that he and Bargayo have agreed that the latter can have himself nailed on the cross during Holy Week as long as he wants. Diamante said that he wants the town of Tuburan to be known worldwide for their strong faith in God. (PAC of Superbalita)