This is how we do it in the Philippines

Here in the Philippines, the Holy Week is characterized by a blend of native traditions and a modern day touch of commemorating Jesus Christ's sacrifices for our salvation.

When I was a kid, I secretly disliked the Holy Week, for three <embarassing> reasons. Reason no. 1 is because my mom will definitely barge into my room at 5 in the morning so we can attend the early morning mass on Palm Sunday and on Easter Sunday. No. 2 is because no matter how early we arrive to church, it is always full of people. This means we have to stand up for an hour or two while I fight so hard to prevent my eyes from drooping. Reason no. 3 is because the only TV show I enjoyed watching during those times was a rerun of 7th Heaven.

Don't worry, I was still a kid back then and I'm a changed person now. *wink

This year, my sister Louise and I decided to try something different. So last Tuesday, we joined Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, the same parish church we attend to every Sunday in their Lakbay Nilay: Visita Iglesia 2009.

Visita Iglesia is a Filipino Catholic tradition which literally means, church visit. Simbahan.net defined the Visita Iglesia as a practice introduced by the Spanish colonizers which goes back to the time the early church where Christians would visit the seven great basilicas in Rome for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during Maundy Thursday. These churches are: The Saint John Lateran, St. Peter, Saint Mary Major, Saint Paul Outside the Walls, St. Lawrence Outside the Walls, Holy Cross in Jerusalem and St. Sebastian Outside the Walls. The last was replaced by Pope John Paul II with the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Divine Love in 2000.

Filipino Visita Iglesia is often a contemplation of the fourteen stations of the cross and traditionally, seven churches are visited with two stations per visit during Maundy Thrusday. However, the Visita Iglesia Louise and I joined visited nine churches in the province of Bulacan and was done during Holy Tuesday (April 7, 2009). We were allowed to take pictures after we said our prayers. Below are the churches we've visited.

Santa Isabel Church Malolos, Bulacan

Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, popularly known as the Malolos Cathedral in Malolos Bulacan




The Barasoain Church

St. James the Apostle Church, Paombong, Bulacan



National Shrine of St. Anne, Hagonoy, Bulacan

Louise and I just outside the National Shrine of St. Anne



Parish of St. John the Baptist, Calumpit, Bulacan



San Isidro Labrador Parish Church, Pulilan, Bulacan

The church was under construction during the time of our visit. This town is famous for their Carabao Festival where carabaos kneel as they pass through this church during their parade. This is in honor to the town's patron saint, San Isidro Labrador.

St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church, Marilao, Bulacan

Our final stop was the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Marilao, Bulacan. Unfortunately, I have no pictures to post since both my digital camera and camera phone both went dead.

I had a really nice time, met new friends and simply glad that Louise and I have decided to devote the entire day for Him. :]] One thing's for sure, we'll do this again next year and I am looking forward in bringing the whole family. :]