国家地理:Real-life Crucifixion 十字架受难

The Philippines, a country of 75 million people, the vast majority, Catholic. Signs of faith are everywhere, especially during Easter week which commemorates¹ the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the village of San Pedro Cutud, Rolando Ocampo is a local carpenter who has made an oath to God. Twelve years ago, his wife was giving birth to their youngest daughter Cindy, but there were complications and both hovered² near death. Rolando began to pray.

I told the Lord that if my wife would have a safe delivery I would have myself crucified on Good Friday.

Rolando's wife and daughter both recovered, and now every year he pays for this blessing³ with his own flesh and blood through self-flagellation and crucifixion.

I use what you call a barbed wire for my crown of thorns. I use this material because it's durable⁴ and won't break easily. These are the kinds of nails I use. These are the nails that are driven into my hands.

It is Good Friday in the Philippines, the day that Jesus was crucified. The village of San Pedro Cutud prepares for an estimated 10,000 visitors who will come to watch 15 crucifixions. Rolando's chosen to be crucified last in hopes of avoiding the crowds. With his nails, hammer, crown of thorns and faith, the carpenter heads for the hill.

From the time I undress and I lie on the cross, it's like Christ takes over my body.

Each nail must be precisely⁵ placed. A miscalculation could cause permanent paralysis⁶ in the hands. The nails go through his hands and into the wood. After several minutes of agony, Rolando was lowered. Exhausted⁷, his hands throbbing⁸, he and his daughter return home. It has cost him dearly but Rolando has kept his promise. Within the hour the wounds have begun to heal.

I could feel that the Lord has heard my prayers because my family and loved ones are no longer having troubles and are kept away from harm. Rolando believes today's success means a brighter future for his family.


resurrection: (n.) The rising again of Jesus on the third day after the Crucifixion. 耶稣复活
flagellation: (n.) The act or practice of flagellating. 鞭笞
barbed wire: (n.) Twisted strands⁹ of fence wire with barbs¹⁰ at regular intervals¹¹. 有刺铁丝
agony: (n.) The suffering of intense physical or mental pain. 痛苦

1 commemorates   

n.纪念，庆祝( commemorate的名词复数 )v.纪念，庆祝( commemorate的第三人称单数 )

参考例句：

• A tombstone is erected in memory of whoever it commemorates. 墓碑是为纪念它所纪念的人而建的。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• A tablet commemorates his patriotic activities. 碑文铭记他的爱国行动。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》

2 hovered   

鸟( hover的过去式和过去分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫

参考例句：

• A hawk hovered over the hill. 一只鹰在小山的上空翱翔。
• A hawk hovered in the blue sky. 一只老鹰在蓝色的天空中翱翔。

3 blessing   

n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿

参考例句：

• The blessing was said in Hebrew.祷告用了希伯来语。
• A double blessing has descended upon the house.双喜临门。

4 durable   

adj.持久的，耐久的

参考例句：

• This raincoat is made of very durable material.这件雨衣是用非常耐用的料子做的。
• They frequently require more major durable purchases.他们经常需要购买耐用消费品。

5 precisely   

adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地

参考例句：

• It's precisely that sort of slick sales-talk that I mistrust.我不相信的正是那种油腔滑调的推销宣传。
• The man adjusted very precisely.那个人调得很准。

6 paralysis   

n.麻痹(症)；瘫痪(症)

参考例句：

• The paralysis affects his right leg and he can only walk with difficulty.他右腿瘫痪步履维艰。
• The paralysis affects his right leg and he can only walk with difficulty.他右腿瘫痪步履维艰。

7 exhausted   

adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的

参考例句：

• It was a long haul home and we arrived exhausted.搬运回家的这段路程特别长，到家时我们已筋疲力尽。
• Jenny was exhausted by the hustle of city life.珍妮被城市生活的忙乱弄得筋疲力尽。

8 throbbing   

a. 跳动的,悸动的

参考例句：

• My heart is throbbing and I'm shaking. 我的心在猛烈跳动，身子在不住颤抖。
• There was a throbbing in her temples. 她的太阳穴直跳。

9 strands   

n.（线、绳、金属线、毛发等的）股( strand的名词复数 )；缕；海洋、湖或河的)岸；（观点、计划、故事等的）部份v.使滞留，使搁浅( strand的第三人称单数 )

参考例句：

• Twist a length of rope from strands of hemp. 用几股麻搓成了一段绳子。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• She laced strands into a braid. 她把几股线编织成一根穗带。 来自《简明英汉词典》

10 barbs   

n.（箭头、鱼钩等的）倒钩( barb的名词复数 )；带刺的话；毕露的锋芒；钩状毛

参考例句：

• She slung barbs at me. 她说了些讥刺我的话。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• I would no longer uncomplainingly accept their barbs or allow their unaccountable power to go unchallenged. 我不会再毫无怨言地洗耳恭听他们带刺的话，或让他们的不负责任的权力不受到挑战。 来自辞典例句

11 intervals   

n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息

参考例句：

• The forecast said there would be sunny intervals and showers. 预报间晴，有阵雨。
• Meetings take place at fortnightly intervals. 每两周开一次会。