Sect has unusual way of commemorating Good Friday

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MANILA, Philippines – A group called “Fifteen Mysteries” in Bulacan has an unusual way of commemorating Good Friday.

The group has giant representations of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit lead their nighttime procession that runs all the way until the break of dawn.

Wrapped around their bodies are long rosaries -- so long that some said it takes them 3 months to finish praying.

“Masyado nang maraming kasalanan. Hindi na sapat ang 5 misteryo. Kapag iyan 24 oras niyo ng dasal ng walang tigil, ang mga tao hindi na magkakasala,” said Sister Vita Domingo, the leader of Fifteen Mysteries.

The group believes that their leader, Sister Domingo, is sometimes possessed by the Black Nazarene or the Santo Niño.

She blesses the oil and money of the group's members and then bathes them with holy water that she has blessed herself.

But group member Oscar Bautista insists that they are not a cult.

“There are other strange rituals you know, demonic rituals,” said Bautista.

But a bishop who saw images of the group believes otherwise.

“Nagsasalita sila sa ngalan ng Diyos at iyon ang kanilang sinusunod ng pikit mata, kaya nagiging kulto iyan,” said Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez of the CBCP.

While Fifteen Mysteries admit to having strayed from traditional Catholic rituals, the group insists that as long as they harm no one, there is no right or wrong way to professing one’s faith.

source: abs-cbnnews.com
image source: msn.com