Philippines as a
predominantly catholic country has a solemn observation of Holy Week which took
place usually during summer time. It is a time of peace, somberness and
reflection and coincidentally for some non catholic it is a best time to spend
vacation due the long holidays from work.
One of the highlights of the event in a week long spiritual celebration
is the Visita Iglesia or the Seven Churches Visitation which is traditionally
observed every Maundy Thursday until the eve of Black Saturday.
Historically, the Visita
Iglesia is observed consistently with its motives especially that it is done
during holy week where the season’s message is to reflect, repent and renewed.
The seven holy sites (mostly churches, basilicas, shrines and pilgrim sites) to
be visited during Visita Iglesia represents seven scriptural events and the
first visits to the 7 Roman Basilicas and the Seven Deacons in Jerusalem who
were appointed by the twelve apostles.
Here are some suggested
sites/churches that are good to visit this holy week for Visita Iglesia. For
those who are in Laguna there are some great ancient churches to go that
celebrates a solemn Semana Santa and preserve the figure of traditional and
historic symbol of faith.
The St. John the Baptist
Church of Liwliw, Laguna.
The Liliw Church or
Church of Lilio (former name of Liliw) is one of the famous churches in Laguna.
Yes it is most loved by tourists and church goers because of its physical
appeal and a huge ground space which strategically constructed overlooking the
downtown of Liliw. The church as it appears is built with a red brick façade
and in baroque architectural style which makes it unique among other churches
in the country. It was built centuries ago when its original structure was
destroyed by earthquake during 1880.
Saint Bartolomew Parish of
Nagcarlan
This church which is made of
strongly-ancient materials is a result of the third reconstruction. The first was made of light materials of Nipa
and Wood in 1583. During the year 1752 the second construction was purely made
with colored brick and stone but was suddenly destroyed by fire in 1781. Now
the structure is mainly composed of strong materials but its face which was
influenced by the color of the previous constructed materials catch the attention of many.
This parish church was founded by a Franciscan Priests in the name of Father
Juan De Placencia in 1571. Today it is one of the living historical ancient
Parish Churches in the country.
Diocesan Shrine of Nuestra
Seniora de los Dolores de Turumba
Pakil church or Saint Peter
of Alcantara parish is another name before this unique infrastructure of faith
became a diocesan shrine. Yes it is a shrine now and this church enshrine the
Our Lady of Turumba – an oil painting on canvass showing the face of the holy
mother contorted by pain. Turumba is a Spanish word which means crazed or
insane. For many Filipinos this church is very familiar because it is where the
most known teleserye Juan de la Cruz was hosted.
San Sebastian Church in
Lumban, Laguna
The church of San Sebastian
in Lumban, Laguna is an exception to many other ancient churches in terms
of structures. This is common to many as the first stone church erected in 16th
century. Historically Lumban during the
Spanish era was a center of all missionary activities in Laguna Province.
St. Mary Magdalene Church.
In a town of Magdalena in
the province of Laguna is another ancient church founded in 1851. The church was
named after the name of the town into Saint Mary Magdalene. This historical
church is also the most significant landmark of a quiet town of Magdalena. It
is made up of stones and bricks with a sandstone façade. This church is located
at the town center near the municipal plaza across the municipal hall.
Historically, the Filipino hero Emilio Jacinto during the Philippine revolution
against Spaniards sought refuge in this church after being wounded in a
battle in 1898.
Top 3 suggested sites to
visit for Visita Iglesia in Cebu.
Cebu as a center and origin
of catholic faith in the Philippines has so many pristine and century old
catholic site that is good to see for Visita Iglesia. But when in comes to history significance and convenient these top 3 sites are highly suggested to experience and
witness how they uniquely celebrates Semana Santa.
The Monastery of the Holy
Eucharist
Birhen sa Simala church as
it is commonly known to many is now the most preferred place of pilgrims in
Cebu. This is because of its undying history that people receive the miraculous
intercession of mother Mary thru answered prayers and petitions. Birhen sa
Simala Church is the most solemn place for worship, a majestic and miraculous
church that has a thousands of devotees coming in daily. It is located in
Barangay Lindogon, Sibonga,in the Southern part of Cebu province.
Patrocinio de Maria Church
in Boljoon.
Boljoon Church
is one of the oldest Church in Visayas with significant religious artifacts and
the historic figure that narrates the history of the place. Boljoon Church or
in its old famous pilgrim name as “Church of Patrocinio de Maria” was built in
1599 during the Spanish era. This has been very famous for this is the
only pilgrim church in Southern Cebu to which during fiesta celebration, many
devotees are coming in to venerate the image of the virgin enshrined in the
altar who believed that posses miraculous powers. This church is generally made
of corral stone and a clay roof tiles for its roof. This church is founded by
the Augustinian fathers during colonial times.
Saints Peter and Paul Church
in Bantayan Island.
Bantayan Church is
considered as the second oldest church in Cebu so far.
This is much known to Catholics as the host of the grandest ever procession
during Good Friday. This majestic church has been built since 1839 but the
original composition of this parish started in the early 15th
century.
This church is a home of many significant events in the history of
Bantayan island way back Spanish time. For many times it serves a a
hiding place of locals during calamities and war. The Bantayan Church has walls of coral stones just like
most of the century-old churches in the country.
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