A former head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said holding the Way of the Cross in every community may help discouraged some from resorting to extreme forms of sacrifice such as crucifixion and self flagellation during Holy Week. Some penitents subject themselves to crucifixion and self flagellation especially during Good Friday to atone for their sins and give thanks to God for the blessings they received. Meanwhile Via Crusis for good weather was held yesterday from San Juan de Dios Hospital in Pasay all the way to the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros. The 7 Km penitential walk was organized for the 1st time by the Archdiocese of Manila and Radyo Veritas to pray for no repeat of the natural calamities that hit the country last year. Radyo Veritas also launched their "Meet Free Friday" campaign yesterday. Ret. Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Cruz said the Way of the Cross invites more people to participate. "Sometimes it becomes a source of pride also for some people if their house will be to put up Station of the Cross, Let's provide them an alternative a very decent alternative and not something that promotes fanaticism. There's something about a man that they want to feel close to God but you don't need to subject yourself to crucifixion to be closer to God."
