Visita Iglesia '08: Churches, Prayers, and Peace

Last Maundy Thursday our family went to visit the different Churches around Manila for our yearly Visita Iglesia (Church Visits). According to the Catholic Herald, The Visita Iglesia is a practice in cities, where there are many churches, in countries as duverse as Malta, Poland, Ireland and the Philippines. Filipinos have brought it to places that never had it before.

All in all we've visited and prayed in seven Churches. All located in the city of Manila. I was the reason why we went to Manila this year, actually I've been asking my dad to consider going to the Churches in Manila for a change since we've already done it in Pasig and Makati areas before.

First stop was in Malate Church located just in front of Rajah Sulayman Park and Roxas Blvd. The Church seems to be very old as the dark, and moss-covered walls emphasizes its centuries-old existence, and so as the magnificent design and structure that will welcome you as you go inside. It is home to the Our Lady of Remedies, an image of the Virgin Mary where filipino devotees tuned into in times of trouble over the war.

The second Church we went in was the Iconic Manila Cathedral, being the seat of the Catholic Church in our country makes it one among the places to-go-to in Manila. It is also known as the Mionor Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion. We parked in front of the Palazio del Gobernador, since no parking is available near the cathedral because of the number of people, we had confession here so as appreciating the works of art located in every corner of the cathedral.The Manila Cathedral is of European Baroque-style Architecture and stands as a center of faith and devotion for Filipinos, It also has a crypt which serves as the resting place of Catholic Church leaders such as Cardinal Sin, Michael O'Doherty, Rufino Santos, Gabriel Reyes and many more.

Since we were in the walled city of Intramuros, it was very convenient and practical for us to visit a nearby church, the San Agustin Church. The Church has been famous lately for holding the wedding ceremonies of Marimar and Sergio from the top-rated t.v. series Marimar. But the church itself is more that that, the San Agustin Church boasts centuries-old history being one of the oldest churches in the country (built between 1587-1606) and the only intact structure remaining after the destruction of Intramuros during the Battle of Manila. It also has magnificent trompe l'oeil murals both on its walls and ceilings, the church itself is a work of art. We did not managed to go inside because of the influx of people, as well as the church people made the 14 stations of the cross outside.

The next church we visited was the Binondo Church also known as the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila. The church I could say is very much related to me. Why? Actually My whole first name is Sherwin LORENZO, yes, you got that right! I was named after the first Filipino saint. The church is located in the center of manila, near Chinatown, asnd is surrounded by a lot of historic landmarks and businesses motly owned and managed by the chinese community. It was also believed that St. Lorenzo Ruiz served as an altar boy, and resided at the convent of this church.

The Fifth Church we've visited has been known to be the last hope for Filipino in times of despair. It also has been a tradition and a momentous event every year, that thousands of people flock to this Church to ask for guidance and to ask for fullfillment of their wishes. It is obvously one of the most famous Catholic churches in the country, it is home of the miraculous statue of the Black Nazarene. The church is of Mexican Baroque style architecture, based from the origin of the image of the Black Nazarene itself. We parked along Avenida, and walked through the crowd in going to the church. I even spotted Nina Corpuz of ABS-CBN news (see picture below) interviewing someone regarding their holy week activities.

The second to the last church we visited is very special to me. I've spet my entire college life praying in this chapel. The UST Chaple cannot be missed, it plays an important role of being the beacon of faith in the Sampaloc area, as well as the 30,000 plus student body of the University of Santo Tomas. It is also known as the UST-Santissimo Rosario Parish, in veneration to the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary-La Naval de Manila. I'v attended and sung into many masses held in here. Will always be a part of who I am, as a responsible Thomasian.

The last church we visited is one of my favoritesand i consider one of the most beautiful. The San Sebastian Church also known as the Minor Basilica of San Sebastian and National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. It is the only all-steel basilica in Asia. It is of Gothic-type architecture and is considered among the world's most endangered sites and was part of the UNESCO World heritage site because of its cultural and architectural significance. it is located in Legarda, Manila, in the district of Quiapo so it was not difficult for us to shuttle to three churches in this area. It is managed and well taken care of by the Order of the Augustinian Recoletos.

The Visita Iglesia is an important part of every Filipino Catholics' holy week. The magnificent churches, the superb interiors and architecture, and the rich history, are all important in the preservation of this works of art all for the glory of God. But we mst be more that that, what really does matter is for us to be sorry for our sins, and make this time of the year a time of prayer and peace.

Our country badly needs justice, peace, equality, and truth. A prayer a day does not hurt. It would only take a few minutes of our time. That precious time, how short it would be, could make a difference, most especially in this time when our country is submerged into great chaos and confusion.

Have a peaceful and life-changing day guys!