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Self-Flagellation In The Philippines

A hooded devotee performs a ritual of self-flagellation on Good Friday in Antipolo City, Philippines, on April 3, 2026. This centuries-old tradition, known locally as penitensya, involves participants scourging their backs with wooden bamboo strips as an act of atonement, a plea for divine intervention, or forgiveness of sins. The Catholic Church discourages this practice, advocating for prayer and internal repentance over physical sacrifice. Despite this, the practice remains a deeply rooted cultural fixture in rural provinces. For many participants, the physical pain symbolizes participation in the Passion of Christ. (Photo by Ryan Eduard Benaid/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13530446
Date Taken	3 April 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Ryan Eduard Benaid/NurPhoto
Category	Religion and Belief
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Ryan Eduard Benaid/NurPhoto

Spirituality Filipino Ethnicity Church Catholic Tradition Religious Event Philippines Holy Week Faith Christianity Self-Flagellation Penance Colour Image 2026 Photos Lent Good Friday Culture Good Friday Antipolo City Philippines ritual self-flagellation penitensya atonement divine intervention forgiveness sin Catholic Church prayer internal repentance physical sacrifice cultural fixture rural provinces flagellants physical pain symbolic participation Passion of Christ streets visceral display faith endurance communal identity hooded devotee wooden bamboo strips centuries-old tradition discouraged practice deeply rooted rural tradition external expression religious ritual graphic content.