A new book about Pope John Paul II alleges that the pope engaged in self-flagellation in order to feel closer to God. Does Catholicism teach a proper way to whip yourself? No. The Catholic Church does ...

MABALACAT CITY, Philippines - Catholics in the northern Philippine province of Pampanga, many bare-chested and hooded, practice self-flagellation in the sweltering heat in the week before Easter to ...

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Responding to acts of extreme corporal mortification during Holy Week, Catholic bishops in the Philippines have discouraged practices such as self-flagellation and crucifixion in favor of more ...