Visita Iglesia 2012

Well, technically, it was my first time to join a Visita Iglesia for the Holy Week. For those who are non-Catholics, Visita Iglesia is usually during the Holy Week, any day from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday where you visit 7, 12 or 14 churches, pray and reflect. Some do station prayers, based on the stations of the cross.

Yesterday, we joined a family Visita Iglesia - me, my sis, my mom and my aunt and uncle. These are the 7 churches we visited:

1. Antipolo church (Antipolo, Rizal). Many of  the Metro Manila folks visit this church to have their cars or pray for their safe flights, as it is the home of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. It is the nearest church for travel blessing, aside from Our Lady of Manaog in Pangasinan. Aside from these devotees, Antipolo church is always the first stop of many provincial Visita Iglesia and the pit stop for the Alay Lakad of young people, any day from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday.

Antipolo church

2. Mabitac Church (Mabitac, Laguna). A hidden church a top of a hill in Brgy Mabitac, Laguna, it reminds me of the Lourdes Grotto in Baguio, but not ending of the sacred statue but of a holy place. It is the home of Our Lady of Candelaria or The Lady of the Candles.

Mabitac Church

3. Pakil Church (Pakil, Laguna). A long ride from Mabitac, we reached the old church in Pakil, Laguna. It is the home of our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba. The lady is said to be miraculous and from its history, was found in the Laguna Lake and saved by a priest and was given to Pakil church. The image, before you take its picture, should be whispered and asked for her permission. If you failed to do so, the image of hers will be blurred, similar if she doesn't want you to take the picture of hers. On the other hand, if she allowed you to do so, a clearer picture will be taken.

Pakil Church

4. Paete Church (Paete, Laguna). About 20 minutes away from Pakil, you will reach Paete Church in the middle of Paete proper. It is the home of St. Joseph the Worker, the patron saint for the woodcarvers. This church reflects the business of the community - the woodcarving.

Paete Church

5. Pagsanjan Church (Pagsanjan, Laguna). It is the home of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In Makati, we have our very own National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Lady is the Protectress of Unborn Children.

Pagsanjan Church

6. Lucban Church (Lucban, Quezon). It is probably the oldest church that we visited in the bunch, however, the feeling of spiritual strength is still there. Its patron saint is San Isidro de Labrador and all of Quezon where Pahiyas Festival is celebrated.

Lucban Church

7. Kamay ni Hesus (Lucban, Quezon). Our final church. My mom loves Father Faller, the healing priest in Kamay ni Hesus church.  This place, a healing and recollection venue houses the 50 foot statue of Jesus Christ and life size figures of the 14 stations of the cross. Many of its visitors have to endure a climb of about 300 steps to the top and see the figures as they climb. Upon reaching the top, you are overlooking the rest of Quezon and Mt. Banahaw. Aside from the life sizes statues and the third biggest Jesus Christ statue in the world, Kamay ni Hesus also have The Garden of Eden and Noah's ark. This is the perfect end for the whole day reflection and Jesus Christ's homes visits.

Kamay ni Hesus

I will be glad to join another Visita Iglesia next year and probably, do a North Luzon trip.