Hey there, friends! If you’ve found your way to this post, you’re probably curious about the significance of Holy Week and the beautiful tradition of Visita Iglesia, especially around the bustling city of Manila. Well, you’re in for a treat because there’s so much to discover in this spiritual journey. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Holy Week is an essential time for Catholics worldwide. It’s a commemoration of the final days of Jesus Christ, starting with Palm Sunday and culminating in the celebration of His resurrection on Easter Sunday. Throughout the week, we get to reflect on His passion, death, and resurrection, and Manila comes alive with a unique display of faith and tradition.
Visita Iglesia, which translates to “Church Visit,” is a cherished Filipino custom. It involves visiting seven (or sometimes fourteen) different churches, often on Maundy Thursday, to pray, meditate on the Stations of the Cross, and truly immerse ourselves in the spirit of the season. And where better to experience Visita Iglesia than in Manila, where you can find a plethora of historic and breathtaking churches?
Manila’s vibrant streets transform into a spiritual haven during Holy Week, as devotees embark on their Visita Iglesia journey. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect opportunity to bond with family and friends, while also connecting with the wider community of believers. Here’s a list of some stunning churches in Manila to help you plan your Visita Iglesia:
Here are 15 Churches with significance and driving time from Makati to give you a better idea of how to get there.
| No. | Church Name | Significance | Drive from Makati (minutes) | Parking Availability (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quiapo Church | Home of the Black Nazarene, a miraculous image of Jesus | 25 | 3 |
| 2 | San Agustin Church | UNESCO World Heritage site, oldest stone church in the Philippines | 20 | 4 |
| 3 | Manila Cathedral | Seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila | 20 | 4 |
| 4 | Baclaran Church | National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help | 30 | 3 |
| 5 | Santuario de San Antonio | Known for its modern architectural design | 10 | 5 |
| 6 | National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels | Dedicated to the seven archangels | 15 | 4 |
| 7 | Malate Church | Dedicated to Our Lady of Remedies, patroness of childbirth | 15 | 3 |
| 8 | St. Francis of Assisi Church (Mandaluyong) | Known for its beautiful stained glass windows | 20 | 4 |
| 9 | San Sebastian Church | Only all-steel church in Asia, designed by Gustave Eiffel | 25 | 2 |
| 10 | St. Andrew the Apostle Parish | Modern architectural design, located in the heart of Makati | 5 | 5 |
| 11 | San Roque Cathedral | Seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Caloocan | 40 | 2 |
| 12 | Shrine of Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life | Located near the SM Mall of Asia | 35 | 5 |
| 13 | St. James the Great Parish | Known for its beautiful altar and ceiling | 15 | 4 |
| 14 | Christ the King Parish | Modern architectural design, located in Greenmeadows | 30 | 4 |
| 15 | Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish | One of the oldest churches in Metro Manila | 25 | 3 |
Of course, this is just a starting point for your Visita Iglesia journey. Feel free to explore even more churches around Manila, each with its own unique story and beauty.
During Holy Week 2023, as you wander from one church to another, you’ll undoubtedly feel the warmth of the Filipino spirit, united by faith and love. Visita Iglesia in Manila is more than just a religious custom – it’s an opportunity to connect with our deeper selves and with others, forming bonds that transcend time and distance.
So, dear friends, I encourage you to embrace this heartwarming tradition during Holy Week. May your Visita Iglesia experience around Manila be filled with love, faith, and reflection. Happy journey!
