[valensds]

Annik,

Interesting to learn that the RC church frowns on the Philippine tradition. I didn't know that, and the gentleman I spoke with was strongly saying it was a real RC tradition. I'm not saying you're wrong, just explaining my limited perspective on the thing.

I must confess that I just did a google search to see what was said about the Philippine "festival" in general, and found several sources that confirmed what you say about RC disapproval.

Also interesting, though, was to see at www.catholic.org, not only was there a link to buy tickets to Gibson's movie with the following endorsement:

If you haven't gotten tickets to The Passion of the Christ yet, go to Passion Tickets to reserve your seats. We saw a pre-release version of the movie a few weeks ago and can say that there isn't a better way to begin your Easter preparations.

but also a book for sale with scene by scene analysis of the movie from a Catholic perspective with the following endorsement:

"A Guide to the Passion" was written to help moviegoers understand the many artistic and theological aspects of the movie. Through this understanding, we not only get into the mind of the movie’s creator, but also into the mind of the Creator.

as well as free "resource kits" allowing Catholic parishes to hold seminars about the movie...

Anyway, just thought above was interesting...

Best Regards...