The pictures were taken during Good Friday devotions in the St. Joseph church in Las Pinas, Metro Manila, Diocese of Paranaque. The devotion of the "un-nailing" was introduced by the Spaniards in the 16th century and used to be widely practiced in the Philippines. Today it is observed only in a few parishes in the Philippines, although similar devotions are said to remain in vogue in Eastern Europe, and the "burial of Christ Crucified" continues to be observed by the Franciscans in the Holy Sepulcher. It is, of course, a relic of medieval Holy Week rites. (I speak here only about this devotion in the context of the Latin Catholic tradition -- the Eastern practice is well-known and needs no comment).
The men in white robes and purple sashes are not deacons, but laymen representing the apostles. The "apostles" are a feature of Holy Week ceremonies in many parishes in the Philippines (and perhaps in other countries).
The men in white robes and purple sashes are not deacons, but laymen representing the apostles. The "apostles" are a feature of Holy Week ceremonies in many parishes in the Philippines (and perhaps in other countries).
In the final picture, veiled women are preparing to cover the "Santo Entierro" (the Dead Christ) with a black veil. The statue of the recumbent Christ will then be taken in procession in the evening of Good Friday. In a few parishes that procession is followed by yet another procession -- the "Soledad", representing Our Lady of Sorrows going home in grief. The first procession -- which remains very popular -- is often accompanied by the loud recitation of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary, while the second procession is normally done in complete silence. In a few parishes the "Santo Entierro" is also displayed for veneration until midnight of Good Friday-Holy Saturday.
