Visita Iglesia 2013: Manila churches

In time for Holy Week, Filipinos usually plan where to spend their Holy week. Being a city girl myself, I really don't have a choice of provinces, and I'd rather stay in the metro, away from all the traffic. 

During Maundy Thursday, everyone is on the road. Just for one reason - Visita Iglesia. It is a part of our Holy Week, where Catholics pay visits to 7 or 14 churches to pray to the 14 stations of the cross. Last year, we were able to do a Visita Iglesia in the churches in Laguna, Batangas and finally, Kamay ni Hesus in Quezon. 

This time, because my mom is busy with her church activities, we only have half of our day for Visita Iglesia. We decided to do a Manila Visita Iglesia. Since we are bound for Manila, we also decided to ditch bringing our own car to lessen the hassle of looking for parking areas and safety. Here are the churches we visited. Directions are also included, coming from Makati and from the last stop of churches. 

1. BINONDO CHURCH: Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz

Located at the heart of Binondo and near Divisoria, Binondo Church is one of the oldest churches in Manila, founded by the Dominican priests in 1596. 

Via commute: 

1. From Guadalupe, Makati take a jeepney bound for Taft-Herran. 

2. Arriving in Taft, take the jeep bound for Divisoria. Jeepneys are aplenty in front of 7-11 in Pedro Gil.

3. Alight in front of Binondo Church. 

2. STA. CRUZ CHURCH: Nuestra Senora del Pilar

Located at Plaza Lacson in Carriedo, Sta. Cruz church was built by Jesuits in 1608 for the Chinese immigrants. 

Via commute: 

1. From Binondo church, walk towards the Divisoria area where you will take the jeepney bound for Quiapo. 

2. Alight at Rizal Avenue, once you see the LRT 1 line. 

3. Walk on your right, and towards Carriedo station. 

4. Once you see Carriedo Station, turn right on the street before it (Burgos street). Straight ahead is the Sta. Cruz Church. 

3. QUIAPO CHURCH: Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene

You will never miss the Quiapo church, since it very well known church in Manila, most especially during first Fridays of each month and on January 9. The church was founded by Franciscan missionaries in 1856 and is the home of the Black Nazarene. Located at the heart of Plaza Miranda, Quiapo church is also along Quezon Avenue. 

Via commute. 

1. From Sta. Cruz church, cross Rizal avenue and walk towards Isetann Carriedo. 

2. Turn at Carriedo Street and walk straight ahead towards Quiapo Church. 

4. MANILA CATHEDRAL: Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion

The most sought after church when it comes to weddings, aside from San Agustin church, is located in the walled city of Intramuros. This houses the Archbishop of the Philippines and located near the CBCP. It was founded in 1521 by secular priests. 

However, during our visit, the Church is closed and is currently undergoing renovations. Sadly, we were not able to see its interiors. 

Via commute:

1. From Quiapo church, go to Quezon Avenue, right outside the church and take a jeepney bound for Intramuros. 

2. Jeepneys will pass directly in front of the Cathedral. 

5. SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH

Being the oldest church in the Philippines, built in 1521, it has withstood the test of time, thus, many of couples dream of being wed in the church. It will be celebrating its 450th anniversary, thus, the facade is also in the works. It is conveniently located within walking distance from the Manila Cathedral. 

Via walking: 

1. From Manila Cathderal, take General Luna Street. 

2. Turn right at Real Street and you will find the San Agustin Church. 

6. ERMITA CHURCH: Nuestra Senora de Guia 

This quaint church located in Ermita was founded in 1606 and houses Nuestra Senora de Guia or Our Lady of Guidance. 

Via commute: 

1. From San Agustin church, walk along General Luna street, until you get to the 

2. From the gate, take jeepney bound for Mabini. 

3. Tell the driver that you are getting off at Ermita church. Jeepneys will pass in front of the church. 

7. MALATE CHURCH. Church of Nuestra Senora de los Remedios

Located at M.H. del Pilar Street in Malate, and facing Manila Bay is our last stop for this Visita Iglesia, It was built in 1588 by Augustinian priests. This church is the home of Our Lady of Remedies. 

Via commute: 

1. From Ermita Church, ride a jeepney bound for Mabini or Roxas Blvd.

2. Tell the driver that you are getting off at Malate church. You will not miss it since jeepneys pass in front of it. 

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.