Flagellation at Holy Week Processions

01/12

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Volunteers dressed as Roman Centurions, drive nails through the palms of an unidentified Catholic devotee in a reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday.

02/12

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A hooded penitent walking through street during flagellation ritual to atone for their sins in observance of Holy Week Thursday, April 5, 2012 at Los Angeles city, Philippines. Such practice is rejected by the Catholic church.

03/12

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Penitents carry their crosses early morning during flagellation ritual to atone for their sins in observance of Holy Week Friday, April 6, 2012 at Los Angeles city, Philippines. Such practice is rejected by the Catholic church.

04/12

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A hooded penitent carry his cross during flagellation ritual to atone for their sins in observance of Holy Week Thursday, April 5, 2012 at Los Angeles city, Philippines. Such practice is rejected by the Catholic church.

05/12

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Hooded penitent lay prone on the pavement during flagellation ritual to atone for their sins in observance of Holy Week Thursday, April 5, 2012 at Los Angeles city, Philippines. Such practice is rejected by the Catholic church.

06/12

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Hooded penitent walking through street performing self-flagellation, a ritual to atone for sins in observance of Holy Week. Such practice is rejected by the Catholic church.

07/12

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A hooded penitent on bent knees during a flagellation ritual to atone for his sins in observance of Holy Week. Such practice is rejected by the Catholic church.

08/12

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Hooded penitents lay prone on the pavement during a flagellation ritual to atone for their sins in observance of Holy Week. Such practice is rejected by the Catholic church.

09/12

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A balloon street trader watch a hooded penitents walking through street during flagellation ritual to atone for their sins in observance of Holy Week Friday, April 6, 2012, Philippines. Such practice is rejected by the Catholic church.

10/12

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Hooded penitents walking through street performing self-flagellation, a ritual to atone for their sins in observance of Holy Week. Such practice is rejected by the Catholic church.

11/12

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A hooded penitent carries his cross during a flagellation ritual to atone for his sins in observance of Holy Week.

12/12

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Volunteers dressed as Jesus Christ's family crying in front of unidentified Catholic devotees in a reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday.

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Holy week processions in the Philippines include devotees who self-flagellate and have themselves nailed to crosses as expressions of penance in fulfillment of a vow. Such practice is rejected by the Catholic church.