Visita Iglesia in Metro Manila
Take part in this wonderful blend of tradition and history this Holy Week holiday!
Visita Iglesia (visit the church) is a Catholic tradition done every Maundy Thursday where Filipinos, along with their families and friends visit 7 churches where they recite the Stations of the Cross.
It commemorates Jesus’ passion and suffering in his journey to being crucified on the cross. Others opt for the long way where they visit 14 churches instead of just 7, each church representing a station.
Participating in this tradition is not only a show of faith but also a show of appreciation. There is a surplus of beautiful churches around the metro, each playing their role in Philippine history. To help you take part in this custom, Philippine Primer gathers the crème de la crème of Metro Manila’s churches:
San Agustin Church in Intramuros
First Church: Santo Nino de Tondo Church, also known as Tondo Church
A lot of Filipinos are devoted to the Santo Nino. This might explain the popularity of the Santo Nino de Tondo Church orTondo Church where an image of the Santo Nino has been enshrined since 1572.
Second Church: Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz and Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish also known as Binondo Church
Not only is it air-conditioned, but it also has a gorgeous altar that looks like another church’s façade. Located in Lucky Chinatown, Binondo, this church is where the first Filipino saint, Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, served as an altar boy.
Third Church: Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene also known as Quiapo Church
One of the most popular churches in the country would be the Quiapo Church. It is known for being home to the Black Nazarene that millions of devotees flock to every January.
Fourth Church: Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica or simply known as the Manila Cathedral
This majestic beauty has survived numerous wars and natural calamities and still stands as glorious as it did years ago. The Manila Cathedral located in Intramuros also serves as the Episcopal see of the Archbishop of Manila.
Fifth Church: San Agustin Church
Declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1993, San Agustin Church is also the Philippine’s oldest stone church (built in 1589), not to mention its moniker as “The Wedding Capital of the Philippines”. The tomb of Spanish navigator and Governor Miguel Lopez de Legazpi can also be found here.
Sixth Church: San Miguel Church-National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels
Located in the posh residential area of Malacanang Manila, San Miguel Church has that serene vibe that would make you feel at peace just by looking at its beautiful façade. This is also where President Marcos and Imelda Marcos got married back in 1954.
Seventh Church: The Basilica Menor de San Sebastian, also known as San Sebastian Church
Completed in 1891, the Basilica Menor de San Sebastian or San Sebastian Church is known for being the only steel church in Asia. Definitely worth a visit, it was made a National Historical Landmark in 1973. This would be the perfect church to end your Metro Manila-based Visita Iglesia
Whichever route you choose, we hope you get a real feel of Holy Week in the Philippines and be able to fully reconnect with God, Philippine tradition and history.
Article by Carol Premacio
