Saturday, 22 March 2008

Easter: A Health Warning



As Christians around the world prepare to celebrate Easter, the government of the Philippines has warned the faithful of the possible health risks of overly vigorous religious observance. The Department of Health (DOH) has strongly advised penitents to check on the condition of their whip before they lash their backs with it this Holy Week.

The Philippines is a Catholic country and in some towns the Passion is re-enacted by self-flagellation and crucifixion. The department warned that dirty whips could lead to tetanus and other infections. Health Secretary Francisco Duque 3rd said that since it is hard to discourage flagellants from whipping their own flesh, the best penitents can do is ensure that their whips are well-maintained.


In San Fernando City, Pampanga, some 23 penitents, two of them women, have signed up to reenact Christ’s crucifixion in three separate improvised Golgothas in the city. Four penitents were scheduled to have themselves nailed on the cross.

3 comments:

I, Like The View said...

did you know that Easter can only be one day earlier than it is this year, that this year is the earliest Easter for 95 years and there won't be another one as early for another 220 years

yes? you must have read the paper as thoroughly as I did this morning then. . .

xx

Mel said...

Yikes.

Serious?
You didn't make it up?

Yikes!

I, Like The View said...

think I prefer the chocolate jesus. . .