Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 6) — Thousands of Filipino Catholics observed the “Visita Iglesia” tradition, where the faithful pray the Stations of the Cross while visiting seven churches. The practice is usually done on Maundy Thursday to commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples.
Former first lady Imelda Marcos was seen praying with other people at the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City.
In a chance interview, the 93-year-old matriarch underscored the importance of the Visita Iglesia to remind Filipino Catholics about humility, love and its culture.
Marcos said she plans to finish visiting 14 churches as part of her annual vow.
“Ito’ng panahon ng pag-sakripisyo ng Diyos, dito nangyari na sinalba ng Diyos ang mundo,” she said. “Kaya malaking bagay ito sa ating lahat. Kaya tuwing Holy Week ako ay naglilibot. Ngayong araw na ito, pang-11 church ko na ngayon.”
[Translation: In this season of God’s sacrifice, this is when God saved humanity. That is why this is important to us. That is why every Holy Week, I do the Visita Iglesia. Today, this in my 11th church.]
Meanwhile, people came in droves to the Antipolo Cathedral in Rizal which was recently declared by the Vatican as an international shrine.
Now known as the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, it is among the most popular stops outside Metro Manila for the faithful during Visita Iglesia.
Many also visited the San Pedro Calungsod Parish Sanctuary of Padre Pio, also in Antipolo.
Some of the faithful told CNN Philippines that it was a different experience observing Visita Iglesia this year, since there were hardly any COVID-19 restrictions unlike in the past few years.
“Masarap na feeling na continuously God is healing the world and, at the same time, napaka-importante kasi na tayo rin mag-heal together with the world,” Roseanne said.
[Translation: It is a good feeling that continuously God is healing the world and, at the same time, it is also important that we too can heal together with the world.]
“Napakasaya sa kalooban kasi halos tatlong taon din tayong hindi nakakapag-Visita Iglesia ng ganito,” Angelica Sasuman shared. “So napakasaya at talagang kakaiba yung feeling ‘pag nandito ka na sa simbahan talaga at nakakabisita ka sa ibang simbahan. Talagang nakakapagnilay ka.”
[Translation: I am elated since we did not get to practice the Visita Iglesia for almost three years. I am so happy and the feeling is really different when you are actually in the church and visiting other churches. I can really contemplate.]
Roseanne, who completed the observance with her son, said it is important to keep the tradition alive especially among the younger generation.
Angelica on her part said the practice is not only an opportunity to fulfill our religious obligations but also a chance to reconnect with others and reflect on our lives.
“Napakahalaga ng Visita Iglesia, unang-una dahil isa itong pagkakataon para magtipon tipon ang mga pamilya, mga kaibigan para bisitahin ang iba’t-ibang simbahan sa ating bansa, sa ating komunidad,” she said.
[Translation: The Visita Iglesia is important because first, this is an opportunity for families and friends to gather and visit different churches in our country, in our community.]
“Maganda din itong pagkakataon na pagnilayan at mag-reflect sa mga ginawa ng ating Panginoon at i-reflect natin sa pamumuhay,” Angelica added.
