PENINTENSYA

Introduction

The Penintensya or penance, although it is sacramental for Catholics as mentioned in the last article on October 2025 as part of Seven Sacrament Series, it is a traditional Holy Week practice where devotees perform acts of self-sacrifice to express remorse, seek forgiveness for sins, or fulfill a panata (religious vow). While the Catholic Church does not officially endorse physical self-harm as a form of penance, these rituals remain deeply rooted in Filipino folk Catholicism.

Common Forms

Self-Flagellation or Hampas-Dugo, the Penitents whip their own backs with bamboo slats or glass-tipped whips until they bleed. Individuals carry heavy wooden crosses over long distances, often barefoot, to reenact Christ's journey to Calvary. In some provinces like Pampanga (specifically San Pedro Cutud), devotees are literally nailed to wooden crosses using sterilized nails for several minutes. Some penitents crawl on rough pavement or hot asphalt as an act of humility and suffering. Alay Lakad or "penitential walk" where large groups travel kilometers on foot to reach a specific shrine or cathedral, such as the Antipolo Cathedral.

Locations

In General Santos City, local spiritual centers like the Holy Cross Spiritual Center and Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish offer spaces for more traditional reflection, meditation, and prayer during this time. Pampanga & Bulacan are the most famous for public flagellation and crucifixion rites, particularly on Good Friday

Most intense penitential acts occur on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. For 2026, Holy Week will run from March 29 (Palm Sunday) to April 5 (Easter Sunday).

Discouragements

Medical experts, primarily through the Department of Health (DOH), warn against these practices due to several physical dangers: Wounds from whips or nails are classified as "dirty wounds". They are often contaminated with dust and debris, significantly increasing the risk of bacterial infections. There is a high risk of contracting tetanus, especially if nails or sharp objects used are not properly sterilized. The DOH discourages the common practice of jumping into seas or rivers to "heal" wounds, as these waters are not sterile and harbor bacteria. The use of shared razors or glass-embedded wooden planks to draw blood can facilitate the transmission of diseases like Hepatitis or HIV.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and local church leaders discourage these acts based on Catholic teaching: The Church emphasizes that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was enough to atone for humanity's sins; therefore, physical self-torture is unnecessary for salvation. These acts are often viewed as fanatical or superstitious expressions rather than true religious devotion. The Church teaches that the body is a gift from God and should not be intentionally harmed. Church leaders urge the faithful to focus on the Sacrament of Confession, acts of charity, and prayer rather than public displays of physical pain. 

Reference

https://www.facebook.com/rapplerdotcom/posts/penitents-practice-the-ritual-of-self-flagellation-as-an-act-of-penance-to-seek-/1181960270632706/#:~:text=Holy%20Week...a%20way,%F0%9F%8C%B9ctto

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‌Mata, B. J. de. (2018). The Forgiveness of Sins in the Context of Penitensya: A Holy Week Cultural Practice at Vinzons, Bicol. Www.academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/41183327/The_Forgiveness_of_Sins_in_the_Context_of_Penitensya_A_Holy_Week_Cultural_Practice_at_Vinzons_Bicol

‌to, V. (2024, March 24). Knowledge Channel Foundation. Knowledge Channel Foundation . https://www.knowledgechannel.org/articles/5-values-to-learn-from-filipino-holy-week-traditions

‌Self-Flagellation and crucifixion as extreme expression of faith. (2023, April 4). INQUIRER.net. https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/496670/self-flagellation-and-crucifixion-as-extreme-expression-of-faith

‌Cabalza, D. (2025, April). DOH warns vs health risks from “penitencia.” INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2053428/doh-warns-vs-health-risks-from-penitencia

‌Cabalza, D. (2025). Philippine health department warns vs risks from extreme acts of penance this Holy Week. Asianews.network. https://asianews.network/philippine-health-department-warns-vs-risks-from-extreme-acts-of-penance-this-holy-week/

‌https://www.facebook.com/groups/423437537809758/posts/3049271051893047/#:~:text=2025%20Maleldo%20(re%2Denactment%20of,a%20commitment%20every%20Holy%20Week.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/memoriesoldmanila/posts/2035068576647985/#:~:text=They're%20all%20over%20Pampanga,Bacolor%20where%20the%20practice%20originated.)

Photo Courtesy: Alfred Galura / Pinterest | https://tr.pinterest.com/pin/230176230939070503/