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Visita Iglesia has been my devotion since I was in fourth grade. And together with my two aunts, we are always out on the street visiting 14 churches every Maundy Thursday or the day when Visita Iglesia is usually done.
The First Church - Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Located along the Caruncho Ave in Pasig City, this cathedral is located at the very heart of Pasig City sharing a bit of history that the town has gone through during the Spanish occupation. It is said that this cathedral, being the first Marian Parish in the Philippines, is founded by the Augustinian Missionaries back in 1572.
Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary was the original patroness of the cathedral, but on the 25th of April, title of Immaculate Conception was only recognized. Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary feast falls on the 2nd day of July, which is also Foundation day of Pasig City.
On the side of the church, you'll be able to see two old church bells, which carries the name San Juan Bautista.
The Second Church - Sta. Clara de Montefalco Parish
Housing probably one of the most questioned saint in the land and the patron of heart patients St. Clare of Monteflaco, has a grand house in the area of Maybunga in Pasig City. The church, with a modern architecture depicting mostly Roman style, Sta. Clara de Montefalco Parish is serving as a neighboring breather to this busy side of town as well as a home to some of the dearly departed for it has an Ossuary at the basement level.
I really didn't know that there's this really beautiful church in this side of Pasig. And albeit its modernity, I find the place really serene and spacious. It was like a castle, perfect for someone like St. Clare of Monteflaco.
The Third Church - San Antonio Abad Parish
The Saint with a pig on his feet - that's what probably most of the people have in mind when they heard the name of San Antion Abad. Known for being a hermit, San Antonio Abad hails from Egypt and was believed to live for about 105 years.
And on the other side of Maybunga, you will find this small and humbling parish church that carries the patron, sharing his good learning in life. San Antonio Abad is the patron saint of animals.
The Fourth Church - Sto. Rosario Church
In able to persuade people to keep on praying the rosary, in Rosario, Pasig City, they have this Sto. Rosario Church, which is actually located along the busy avenue of Ortigas. Locating this parish wouldn't be that hard because buses going east, and jeepneys as well, pass right in front of the church, making it one of the most accessible churches in the metro.
The downside of its location, I guess, is probably the parking and the flow of the people once the celebration of the mass has ended. It was my first time to check it out, and despite of it being small, I find the interior kinda interesting, showing a mix of contemporary and neo-classical design.
The Fifth Church - Santa Lucia Parish
An old wooden church was what welcomed me upon reaching Maybunga, Pasig City. With the parish church still under construction that time, the Santa Lucia Parish offers a more spacious venue for worshiping and praying.
Located exactly at A. Rodriguez Ave., Barangay Manggahan, this church is almost at the boundary of Pasig and Quezon City. But don't worry, since it is located along A. Rodriguez, an alternate route to some motorist, locating this church is easy even via PUVs.
The Sixth Church - Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Chapel
One of the most popular chapels in the country now, the Chapel of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina serves as a healing center and great Via Crucis location during this time of the year. Located just right beside Eastwood mall in Libis, Quezon City. reaching this place from Santa Lucia Parish will just take you around 5 minutes of driving.
I was amazed as to how they really make their version of Via Crucis really different, heartfelt and creative. Every visitors that day were given a cross before we start our Via Crucis, and I think this year, they are doing it again but with special pictures showcasing the passion of Christ, which was conceptualized by TV and movie director, Fritz Infante.
The Seventh Church - The EDSA Shrine
Another historic spot in our country, The EDSA Shrine is also nice spot to visit for the Via Crucis. Located at the corner of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue and Ortigas Avenue, this shrine that has the life size statue of Mary, Queen of Peace serves as a symbol and a reminder to every Filipino that with combined power of the people, we can make things happen.
A lot of people who are going to Antipolo stops here too during Maundy Thursday. It is advisable to be here on a day to see the whole beauty of the place, but if you arrive here at night, like what happened to us, it's okay, you'll still see a glimpse of this shrine's beautiful facade that will give you goosebumps and amazement.
...to be continued.
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