Every Holy Week, Catholics from all walks of life traditionally visit seven different churches as part of the Visita Iglesia to pray and...
Every Holy Week, Catholics from all walks of
life traditionally visit seven different churches as part of the Visita Iglesia
to pray and reflect on their lives.
As one of the largest Christian countries in
the world, the Philippines is, by no surprise, full of beautiful churches where
devout Catholics can choose from for this long-standing religious practice.
To help you save time and lessen your research
work, Globe myBusiness, the micro, small, and medium enterprise arm of Globe
Telecom, has picked out some of the churches in Metro Manila and nearby
provinces best known for their unique historical and miracle stories which you
can visit this Holy Week.
1. Quiapo Church - Manila
Photo from Quiapo Church
The Quiapo Church, also known as the Minor
Basilica of the Black Nazarene, has been a symbol of Catholicism in the
Philippines for centuries.
Every year, many flock to the basilica to pray
before the popularly known Black Nazarene. The annual festival of the Black
Nazarene attracts millions of devotees who believe that the life-sized
religious figure has delivered miracles in the various aspects of their lives.
2. Barasoain Church - Malolos, Bulacan
If you owned a 10-peso bill in the late ‘90s,
you probably saw this church’s image on the back of that note.
The Barasoain Church is recognized by the
National Historical Commission of the Philippines as the Cradle of Democracy in
the East and as one of the country’s most important structures. It was chosen
as the site of the Philippines’ first Congress, where the revolutionary Malolos
Constitution was crafted, paving the way for the inauguration of the First
Philippine Republic in 1899.
3. Parish of Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace -
Lipa, Batangas
Photo from Mapio.net
In 1948, a postulant at the Carmelite
Monastery of Lipa claimed to be graced by the Virgin Mary with an apparition in
the compound’s garden. Stories further claimed that days later, rose petals
with religious images rained on the monastery as a sign of the apparition.
Today, the Mary Mediatrix of All Grace Parish
stands as a reminder of the event, drawing the faithful to the site for
decades. It is situated amid the bustling city of Lipa, providing a safe and
quiet haven for contemplation and reflection for the faithful.
4. Santo Domingo Church - Quezon City
Photo from Diocese of Cubao
The Santo Domingo Church is known across the
Philippines and Asia for two main reasons: it’s one of the biggest churches in
the continent, and it serves as the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy
Rosary of La Naval de Manila.
Yearly, devotees flock to this site for an
annual procession featuring Our Lady of La Naval de Manila. The interiors of
the church, which boast of colorful stained-glass windows and centuries-old
artifacts, is also an attraction to tourists and locals alike.
5. Baclaran Church - Parañaque City
Photo from Baclaran Church
This church is the national shrine to Our Lady
of Perpetual Help and is one of the largest Marian churches in the Philippines.
Every Wednesday, the Baclaran Church is flooded by devotees who pray their
patron’s novena and attend the Holy Mass.
Located along Roxas Boulevard, this religious
structure commonly attracts Catholics from all walks of life, especially those
seeking refuge from life’s ordeals like various illnesses, marital problems,
financial troubles, and more.
6. Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral - Baguio
City, Benguet
Photo from choosephilippines.com
Named after Our Lady of Atonement whose
intercession is directed to the reconciliation of sins, the cathedral is a
central figure of Catholicism in Baguio.
Managed by the Pink Sisters on Brent Road,
this cathedral is known for its iconic pink facade. It’s popular both as a
tourist spot and a site for prayer and reflection, thanks to its closeness to
nature and its proximity to other frequented places in the city.
7. Manaoag Church - Manaoag, Pangasinan
Photo from asianjournal.com
According to folktales, the Virgin Mary
appeared before a young farmer in Manaoag, giving him instructions on where she
wanted a church to be built. This was believed to be the Manaoag Church’s
origin.
Renowned as the pilgrim center of the north,
the Manaoag Church is home to Our Lady of Manaoag. It is frequented by many
Catholics because of the centuries-old ivory statue of the Virgin Mary, which
is believed to have miraculous powers.
With these must-see churches, you can surely
complete your Visita Iglesia list and focus more on reflection and
recollection. Discover what these churches have to offer as you take the time
to contemplate with your family and friends. Feel free to also share your
reflections this Holy Week, and take part in inspiring others and creating a
culture of shared success in life and in business!
Capture and share the beauty of these churches
as you travel with a mobile connection you can count on. Visit the myBusiness Postpaid
page and find ThePlan for you!
PR courtesy of Globe Telecom
