LONDON – An Irish Catholic priest has condemned as “blasphemous” a plan by a Wexford nightclub to hold a mock crucifixion of Jesus at a party during the Easter weekend.

The Music Factory, which often has themed nights, is planning on holding the crucifixion on the night of Easter Sunday. It will feature an actor playing Jesus on the cross, who will also be whipped by dancers dressed as Roman soldiers.

The cross on which the crucifixion will reportedly take place is to be set up in the middle of the nightclub dance floor and will form part of a show called the Resurrection Section.

Peter May, co-owner of the nightclub, was quoted by the Irish Times as saying, “It will be done in a fun, lighthearted way. A lot of young people forget what Easter is really about. This is a way of reminding them. A lot of young people don’t really know what Easter is all about. This is where they come. If it’s there in their faces, maybe next year, they will think about it.”

However, Wexford parish administrator Father Jim Fegan denounced the move, commenting, “It is clearly not a religious event. Therefore, one has to think that it’s a mockery of the Crucifixion and a blasphemy.”

He added that it could be met with a negative response from clubbers.

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The Mayor of Wexford, councillor Ted Howlin, also condemned the move.“I wouldn’t approve of it at all. I think it’s terrible. It’s insulting to all Catholics.”