Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 8) — The Filipino faithful continue to flock to different churches outside Metro Manila, particularly in Rizal province, to mark Black Saturday.
For John Christopher Inguillo, going on a Visita Iglesia once again with his family was “refreshing” after over two years of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Honestly, it’s very relieving,” John Christopher said. “It has been a nice change, even though we have been doing this annually before or pre-pandemic.”
Nette Cabrera said she was “very happy” to revive the long-time tradition of her family which serves as a religious learning experience for her children.
“Sinasabi ko nga sa kids, kahit very simple prayer, as long as you’re saying your thanks, malaking bagay na ‘yon,” Nette shared.
[Translation: I always tell my kids, as long as you’re saying your thanks, even a very simple prayer will do.]
“With so much blessings coming along, especially in terms of good health, financial blessings, very smooth-sailing ang life ng family [our life has been very smooth-sailing],” she added. “It is our way of giving back, giving thanks to the Lord.”
Ryan and Angel Echavarria, who came from Quezon City to see historical churches in Rizal, also highlighted the significance of devotion to the faith and upbringing of their children.
It was their second Visita Iglesia since Maundy Thursday.
“Mahalaga ‘yung faith o pananampalataya namin and how we express it — going to churches, attending the Masses. Mahalaga na maituro namin siya sa kids namin,” Angel said.
[Translation: Having faith and learning how to express it is important — going to churches, attending the Masses. It is important that we teach our kids these things.]
“Kaysa nasa bahay — walang gagawin kundi mag-TV o manood ng videos [It’s better than staying at home, doing nothing but watch TV or videos]. So, [it’s a] shared experience,” Ryan said.
“We also want to make it meaningful for us, hindi lang bakasyon [not just some sort of vacation] from work or from school. It’s our time also to pray for our family and for others,” he added.
Visita Iglesia is the Roman Catholic tradition of visiting and praying in at least seven different churches on Maundy Thursday.
