Visita Iglesia: North of Manila

Go on a religious road trip this Holy Week holiday!

The Holy Week marks significant dates in almost every Filipino’s yearly calendar. It is also a very solemn event where everyone is expected to repent, pray for forgiveness and sacrifice by giving up things (and food) considered luxurious.

Despite these, Visita Iglesia can still be enjoyable for you and your family and friends as you not only get to participate in tradition, but bask in the Philippine’s beautiful architecture and history as well. It can also be another way for you to bond with family and friends!

We have already given you a route for your Metro Manila Visita Iglesia. If you decide to go up north for this Filipino tradition, Philippine Primer recommends these churches:

First Church: San Pascual de Baylon Parish Church or Obando Church

As the province of Bulacan would be your first stop as you leave Metro Manila, it is best to start your pilgrimage at Obando Church in the municipality of Obando, Bulacan. Most famous for the Obando Fertility Rites where women who want to have children dance in honor of Obando’s patron saints: Saint Paschal Baylon, Saint Clare of Assisi and Our Lady of Salambao.

BARASOAIN CHURCH. (Photo by Analie Astorga-Motilla via Flckr)

Second Church: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish also known as Barasoain Church

Built in 1630, Barasoain Church in the city of Malolos in Bulacanis one of the most historical churches in the country as three important events in Philippine History happened here. Two presidents were also inaugurated here.

Third Church: Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

Also known as the Malolos Cathedral, the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is the ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of the Diocese of Malolos in Bulacan. This is also where General Emilio Aguinaldo held office from 1898 to 1899.

Fourth Church: San Agustin Parish Church

Completed in 1638, Lubao’s San Agustin Church has three markers showing its historical significance to our country. One was given in 1952, another in 1982 and the last in 2013.

Fifth Church: Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando

Located in San Fernando, Pampanga, this church stands as the seat of the Archdiocese of San Fernando. After being destroyed by fire and undergoing a number of renovations, it now stands high looking over the Kapampangan people.

Sixth Church: Saint Peter of Verona Parish Church

One of the things the town of Hermosa in Bataan is proud of would be the Saint Peter of Verona Parish Church. The heritage church is famed for its baroque style façade and marvelous interiors that never fail to draw in visitors.

Seventh Church: St. Joseph Cathedral

And to end our Visita Iglesia in the North of Metro Manila, we stop at St. Joseph Cathedral in Bataan’s capital Balanga. The cathedral holds historical significance as it was used as an artillery emplacement to bombard Mt. Samat during World War 2.

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.

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Article by Carol Premacio