WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES

Catholics in the Philippines whip themselves and carry wooden crosses as they re-enact the last day of Jesus Christ, a practice during Lent that has been met with disapproval by the Catholic Church.

In the small town of Mabalacat, 50 miles north of Manila, these men walk bare-feet whilst carrying the huge wooden crosses on their backs, inflict wounds on each other's' backs with a blade, and whip their backs by the side of the road.

The act of self-flagellation signifies their devotion to Christ, as they believe it will grant salvation from their sins. Many But the Catholic Church has expressed disapproval of these self-punishments as misinterpretations of faith, saying prayers and sincere repentance are enough to commemorate the observance of Lent.

Despite this, many Filipino Catholics often perform religious penance during the Holy Week as a form of worship.

Easter 2014

Philippines Easter