Intramuros Opens for Visita Iglesia Once More
Before World War II, Intramuros had eight churches, one more than the required number for a Visita Iglesia. This makes the walled city perfect for the Lenten tradition.
For a long time, only two churches stood the test of war and time — until the Intramuros Administration and the Department of Tourism launched a new project for their newly opened Faith and Farm tourism sector. After more than seven decades, there are finally seven churches and chapels inside Intramuros, The Walled City.
Manila Cathedral. STOCK PHOTO
The Seven Chapels open this Holy Week on Intramuros:
- San Agustin Church
- Manila Cathedral
- Mapua University Chapel
- Lyceum of the Philippines University Chapel
- Knights of Columbus Fr. Willman Chapel
- Guadalupe Shrine in Fort Santiago
- San Ignacio Church
Additionally, a stage play depicting of “The Martyr of Golgotha” will be held at Tangahalang Santa Ana on Maundy Thursday. The senakulo-inspired staging is endorsed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Intramuros will also have a Via Crucis or stations of the cross set up along General Luna street from Beatro to Muralla, from Maundy Thursday until Black Saturday.
Visita Iglesia is one of the most popular Holy Week tradition observed by hundreds of Catholics. It is done by visiting seven churches on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday as a reference to the seven last words and seven wounds of Jesus up till his death. With the new initiative by the local government, it is possible to spend Holy Week of staycation in Manila.
Source: nolisoli.ph
