Gilbert Bargayo has himself nailed to the cross on Good Friday in Tuburan town in this 2017 file photo. CDN file
CEBU CITY, Philippines —Gilbert Bargayo isn’t afraid of being nailed to the cross anymore. Not after doing in 26 times before.
But it isn’t because he’s used to it already. It’s because he has complete trust in God.
“Wa na ko mahadlok kay (I am no longer afraid because) whatever happens to me, I offered my heart and my soul to Him already,” the 59-year-old Bargayo told CDN Digital via phone interview.
Bargayo, a native of Barangay Guadalupe in Carcar City, is set to reenact once more the suffering of Jesus in front of spectators in the “Buhing Kalbaryo” in Tuburan town, northwestern Cebu on Good Friday, April 19, 2019.
It will be his 27th time to be nailed to the cross, seventh time in Tuburan.
Read more: Bargayo rushed to hospital after crucifixion
Last year, things got a bit scary when Bargayo was rushed to Tuburan District Hospital after his hands severely bled. One of his assistants reportedly hit a bone when he hammered a four-inch nail to his right hand.
Despite this, Bargayo said he doesn’t feel any fear for his 27th “death.”
Bargayo started to play the role of Jesus as a form of penance and sacrifice in Tacloban City back in 1990, where he collapsed after the about three-hour reenactment.
Aside from Tacloban City, Bargayo also played as Jesus Christ in Good Friday crucifixion reenactments in Cainta, Rizal; Mantalongon, Dalaguete; and Guadalupe in Cebu City.
Bargayo practices 40-day fasting and in preparation for his yearly sacrifice.
Gilbert Bargayo. | CDN file
Read more: Bargayo: 20th cross in Tuburan
Bargayo, who is now living alone in their family home in Carcar City, said all he desires now is to offer sacrifices and penance to God.
The Municipality of Tuburan, in the past six years, has been helping Bargayo materialize a chapel near his home in Barangay Guadalupe in Carcar City. Bargayo said the chapel is one of his offerings to God.
Now in its seventh year, Bargayo said the chapel is now in its final phases.
“At least ang chapel karon naa na, gamay na lang ang kulang, finishing touches na lang,” Bargayo said.
(At least now the chapel’s there already, it just needs a little finishing touches.) /bmjo