Your complete Visita Iglesia guide 2018
by Katherine Sevilla / March 29, 2018
The seven churches visitation, most commonly known as Visita Iglesia is a tradition that most Filipino Catholics follow. Now Maundy Thursday is upon us all and Good Friday is just around the corner, we’ve prepared you the best guides for you – one in the north and one in the south, to save you the hassle of planning your Visita Iglesia trip!
NORTH:
SANTA CLARA DE MONTEFALCO
The parish of Sta. Clara de Montefalco has a whole lot of history as it was established in the 1800s as one of the visitas (chapels) by the Spanish conquistadores. Ever since then, changes were welcomed as the small chapel turned into a shrine in which a lot of people visit to offer their prayers. It’s a good church to start with since it is solemn and simple.
ST ANDREW THE APOSTLE
After going to Pasig, you can go straight to St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in which you can ravel the beauty designed by National Artist for Architecture, Leandro Locsin. Its modern design is a breath of fresh air from the usual churches. It is also well lit and can accommodate everyone who chooses to visit.
MALATE
Malate Catholic Church was first built in 1588 and was dedicated to Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. If St. Andrew the Apostle Parish showcases a modern design, Malate Catholic church is proud of its past as it stood against calamities and invasions. The church was torn down and rebuilt but still kept true to its original design. You can bask in its glory while continuing your stations of the cross.
MANILA CATHEDRAL
The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate also known as Manila Cathedral is found at Intramuros – the historical heart of Manila. Built 16 years earlier than the Malate church, Manila Cathedral shares the same historical glory. If you have still have time after doing your stations of the cross, you can enjoy a walk in Intramuros to get the full historical experience.
QUIAPO CHURCH
The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene also known as the Quiapo Church is prominent for being the home of the Black Nazarene – an image close to the Filipinos heart as they relate to passion and suffering of Christ which it depicts. When you’re in the north, Quiapo church is hard to miss and a must include in your Visita Iglesia!
BINONDO CHURCH
Founded in 1596 – the church was meant to serve Chinese converts to Christianity. Masses are held in Filipino, Mandarin, Hokkien, and English. Much like Malate, Manila and Quiapo churches, the Binondo church also withstood various obstacles in history and still stands to cater to every catholic.
SANTO DOMINGO
For the last church, you may visit The Santo Domingo Church, also known as National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval de Manila. It is the largest church in Metro Manila and one of the biggest churches in Asia. What’s cooler than ending your Visita Iglesia at a National Cultural Treasure?
SOUTH:
Now if the North has a short route, this Visita Iglesia in the South route involves a lot of travelling as the churches are far from each other. The catch? You get to enjoy the view as you travel – so ready your jackets and snacks as this will be quite of a road trip.
SAN PEDRO APOSTOL PARISH
Found in A. Mabini st., Brgy. Poblacion, San Pedro, 4023 Laguna, the church is home to the people of San Pedro, Laguna. This is the first Parish in San Pedro and is a good place to start your Visita Iglesia because of its solemnity.
SANTO SEPULCRO
Close to the San Pedro Apostol Parish is the Santo Sepulcro church. The original barrio chapel made of bamboo and nipa, housing the miraculous image of Jesus lying in the tomb, more fondly called Lolo Uweng, eventually became a huge stone church due to the increasing number of pilgrims flocking to this church every Friday.
STO NINO DE CEBU
Often a host for weddings, Sto. Niño de Cebu Parish is not to be missed out on a Visita Iglesia trip. Located at Southwoods Ave, Biñan, 4024 Laguna, the beautiful red church is perfect for those who’ll want to take pictures of the scenery.
OUR LADY OF LOURDES – TAGAYTAY
After Laguna, it is now time to head to Tagaytay to visit their parish Church. Ran by the Capuchin, Order of Franciscan Minors, it is the center of people’s faith in the city. You can also visit their Candle Chapel where visitors offer colored candles for their petitions.
CALARUEGA CHAPEL
The chapel itself is replete with symbolism. Its façade is a reproduction of the original chapel in Caleruega, Spain. The far trip is surely worth it once you take in the amazing view that the chapel offers.
BASILICA OF ST MARTIN OF TOURS
The Basilica de San Martin de Tours is Asia’s largest church. Located on top of a hill, the church offers a grand view of the town of Taal. With a church of this size, it’s really hard to miss!
ARCHDIOCESAN SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF CAYSASAY
Built in 1639, Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay is a coral-hewn chapel in Barrio Caysasay in Taal, Batangas. It also serves as a home to Our Lady of Caysasay – an image that depicts the Immaculate Conception; also believed to be one of the oldest in the country, having been found in 1603 by a man fishing in the Pansipit River.
Have any cool Visita Iglesia stories? Let us know in the comments below.
