The Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, D.C., has installed a drawing of the Crucifixion by imprisoned Hong Kong Catholic and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai. The large drawing, created by Lai in prison, depicts Christ on the cross flanked by eight orange flowers. Lai, a successful entrepreneur, newspaper owner, and outspoken critic of the Chinese Communist Party, has been in a Hong Kong prison since 2020 for his pro-democracy and free speech advocacy. The drawing is now on permanent display at Catholic University's Busch School of Business. Lai sees his imprisonment as a way of joining in Christ's passion on the cross and has devoted himself to religious reading, prayer, and creating religious drawings while in prison. Catholic University has been a vocal supporter of Lai and awarded him an honorary degree in 2022. The university hopes that students will learn about Lai and his resistance in Hong Kong and be inspired to fight for truth and freedom. Chen Guangcheng, a Chinese human rights activist, also attended the installation ceremony to show his support for Lai and urged Americans to do more in support of freedom in Hong Kong and mainland China. [1dc69337]
In the Philippines, Ruben Enaje, a 63-year-old carpenter and sign painter, has been nailed to a wooden cross for the 35th time in a Good Friday tradition. The crucifixions, which draw tourists, were paused for three years due to the pandemic. Enaje said he would devote his penitence to pray for peace in Ukraine, Gaza, and the disputed South China Sea. He also expressed concern about the impact of wars on innocent people and the rising prices of oil, gas, and food. Enaje has considered ending the tradition due to his age but continues due to requests from villagers. [3c31c58d]