mr@isrnix.UUCP (Michael Regoli) (04/21/84)
DATELINE: Manila, Philippines - UPI - Thursday, April 19, 1984
Four women and a carpenter who hopes his public
display of penitence will attract the attention
of his American father were among at least 12
Filipinos nailed to crosses Friday in reenact-
ments of Jesus Christ's crucifixion.
Some 7,500 people, including U.S. soldiers and
tourists, gathered in three provinces to witness
the annual Good Friday ritual, played out in a
fiesta atmosphere complete with Mickey Mouse
and Jesus Christ balloons.
The Roman Catholic Church takes a dim view of the
crucifixions, a custom brought to Asia's only
Christian country by Spanish friars in the 1600s.
Donald Rexford Jr., who has tried for years to
attract the attention of his American father,
grimaced in pain as friends hoisted him into the
air, two four-inch steel spikes driven into his
palms.
"God forgive them for what they have done,"
Rexford, 38, screamed as his 15-foot wooden cross
was spun around once atop a water tank on a
hilltop overlooking the capital. It was his
fifth crucifixion.
...
A basketball referee in Pampanga province limbered
up before being nailed to a cross with shiny spikes
he carried in a jar filled with alcohol in his gym
bag. He passed out pictures of himself to reporters.
"I feel good," said Bob Velez, 42. Wearing a ladies
brunette wig, he lasted seven minutes.
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Respectfully submitted,
Michael Regoli
...isrnix!mr