MANILA, March 27, 2013— A Catholic priest discourage the faithful from taking part in reenactment of Christ’s scourging and crucifixion especially if it is done purely for money and tourism purposes.
Fr. Francis Lucas of the CBCP’s Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media said such acts is a “no-no” because it turn’s Christ’s passion as a mere source of entertainment.
“What is bad here is if you want to be crucified to become famous or earn money… being crucified becomes an entertainment,” Lucas said.
“It is no longer part of the original objective to depict the sufferings of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Lucas added that it is the same thing when the practice of “pabasa” or the chanting of the Lord’s passion becomes a form of entertainment when the people use rap tune and laugh while doing it.
He reiterated that the Church is against extreme form of sacrifice such as crucifixion because it was already Jesus Christ who offered his life to save the people from their sins.
Lenten season is not an occasion for money-making, said Lucas and instead recommended fasting, abstinence, reflection and almsgiving. (CBCPNews)
