MANILA, Philippines - The Roman Catholic Church on Monday said they are rejecting crucifixion, flagellation and similar practices of some Catholics during Holy Week.

"People should avoid self-flagellation. There are many other ways of repenting on our sins," said Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez of Marbel over Catholic Church-run Radyo Veritas, as quoted by CBCPNews.com.

Repentance and self-renewal, the bishops said, are the true expressions of Christian faith during lent.

Meanwhile, Infanta Bishop Rolando Tirona believes flagellation and crucifixion are expressions of superstitious beliefs, the CBCPNews.com report said.

He also said that they are usually done out of need for money and for tourism purposes.

The Lenten season is a sacred celebration, he said, for "reflection and repentance" and not for money-making.

"But you cannot really judge them. But if it's done out of tourism, that is already unacceptable. That is deception," Tirona said.

The Church, according to him, allows Holy Week activities that are consistent with the teachings on the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The bishops said it is enough to remember the life and death of Christ during Holy Week through fasting and abstinence, prayer and reflection, and alms-giving, the report said.