A Catholic devotee was nailed to a cross in a grisly re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus.

Hundreds of spectators gathered in a small village in the Philippines to watch the ceremony unfold, as they do each year on Good Friday.

Sixty-five-year-old Ruben Enaje fulfilled the part of Christ, which involved two-inch nails being driven through his hands and feet.

He first had to struggle with the cross to the crucifixion site, where he was whipped and mocked by players dressed as Roman soldiers.

Then, dressed in a white gown and the famous crown of thorns, he got into position on the cross, which was laid down.

Enaje released authentic screams as the large nails, which had been sterilised with alcohol, were hammered through his palms.

He continued to wail as the cross was hoisted upright, with red ribbons helping to hold him in place.

Two others were tied to crosses either side, though they were not nailed in place.

Ruben Enaje, 65, was nailed to a cross in the Philippines for a re-enactment of the crucifixion

He was made to carry to cross to the crucifixion site, while being mocked and whipped by other players dressed as Roman soldiers

There were three crosses erected on the hill, but only Enaje, in the centre, was nailed in place

The devout Catholic said afterwards that he prayed for an end to the conflict in the Middle East while on the cross

Speaking afterwards, Enaje revealed he had prayed for peace in the Middle East while he was on the cross.

He said: ‘We are praying for an end to the conflict in the Middle East… The whole world is being affected by what has been happening.’    

The ritual took place in Cutud, a village north of Manila, and drew hundreds of local and foreign spectators. 

What began as a small community stage play in the 1960s has developed into one of the Philippines’ most striking religious traditions.

The crucifixion was among the most extreme displays of faith in the Philippines, where about 80 per cent of its more than 110 million people identify as Roman Catholics. 

Christians believe Jesus died on the cross to pay for the sins of humanity and rose from the grave three days later, on Easter Sunday.

During Holy Week, other devotees in the country flagellate themselves with bamboo whips – an act they believe to be penance that will wash away their sins, cure illness and lead to blessings. 

The Catholic Church disapproves of these traditions, insisting that prayers and sincere repentance are enough to commemorate Lent.

The crucifixions form part of Holy Week, which runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, and is regarded as a deeply sacred period in the Philippine religious calendar.