Lenten Visita Iglesia

April 10, 2009 - We started this family tradition of visiting 7 churches during Maundy Thursday in 2000. This practice was introduced to the Filipinos by the Spanish colonizers way back in the time of the early church where Christians would visit seven great basilicas in Rome for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. During these visit, we reflect on the fourteen stations of the cross. We reflect on two stations per church. As always, we visit the old churches of Rizal-Laguna route. We started with Antipolo Church since it houses the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. Pilgrims from all over the Philippines visit Antipolo to seek for guidance for a safe trip ahead.

Next on the list was the parish of San Geronimo in Morong. This church was built in 1620 and was inspired by the baroque architecture of the 17th century. Mostly Mexican in origin, different decorative elements adorne the bell tower.

The parish of San Jose in Baras was the next church we had visited. The church is a typical Franciscan mission 17th century church. The altar is in the plateresco style, an architectural style used in Spain in the 16th century.

Also included in our trip was the parish of San Ildefonso in Tanay Rizal. The altar is Rococo in origin, it was characterized by the use of pastel colors, asymmetrical frames with flame and coral like decors.

A church on top of a hill was our next destination. Nuestra Señora de Candelaria Parish of Mabitac is 100 feet above the level of Laguna. To reach the church, one must climb up the 126 steps leading to the church.

The parish of San Pedro de Alcantara in Pakil, Laguna houses Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de Turumba. The lady of Turumba has more than 300 gowns given as gifts by her parishioners and devotees. She wears each gown for two weeks and after changing into a new gown, the old gown is cut into square pieces and given away as amultes. Another interesting detail to note in this church is the image of the Crucified Jesus Christ. On Good Friday, this image is brought down to be laid on a bier to serve as the Santo Enerio or the dead Christ that is used in the procession.

Lastly, we visited the parish of Santiago Apostol in Paete, Laguna. Paete is famous for its wood carvings. From the altar to the Stations of the Cross and up to the images in the church are all hand made in Paete.

Nikki and James posed with one of the participants of the Senakulo.

It was a long and tiring trip but it in the end we were thankful that our Lord God has guided us all throughout the trip.