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Flagellants Whip Their Bloodied Backs As An Act Of Penance During Maundy Thursday

Flagellants whip their backs as an act of penance during Maundy Thursday observances in San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines, on April 2, 2026. Holy Week commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and is widely observed in the Philippines, Asia's largest Catholic nation. In San Fernando, some devotees participate in acts of penance, including self-flagellation and voluntary crucifixions on Good Friday, practices that are strongly discouraged by the Catholic Church. (Photo by Jose Monsieur Santos/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13527508
Date Taken	2 April 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Jose Monsieur Santos/NurPhoto
Category	Religion and Belief
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Jose Monsieur Santos/NurPhoto

Small Group of People Action Shot Flagellants penance Maundy Thursday April 2 2026 San Fernando Pampanga Philippines Holy Week passion death resurrection Jesus Christ Catholic Asia self-flagellation crucifixions Good Friday Catholic Church observances bloodied backs devotees extreme acts voluntary discouraged Jose Monsieur Santos NurPhoto commemorates largest Catholic nation practices San Fernando observances religious rituals devotion San Fernando penitents traditional practices Holy Week traditions.