Visita Igelsia Diaries 2016 : A New Path

Last year, I was not able to participate with the Visita Iglesia and the last post I had was way back in 2013. So I was eager to make my yearly tradition to be again part of my Holy Week reflection and prayer time. This time, I made a new path different from the usual route I have trekked in the past years. Also I have formed a personal and more intimate group of dorm mates and blogger friends to be part of the new path.
The new path is something I was quite afraid to take since it has an uncertain journey time and expectations, but the fact that I have friends with this makes it light and fun, and most likely a picture filled day.

The new route starts with a gathering at Malate Church which is also the best way to start since it is the best of both worlds, a stunning view of Manila Bay, and the solemn and historical compound of Malate Church.



MALATE CHURCH (Our Lady Of Remedies Parish)

Considered as one of the oldest existing churches of Old Manila, recently renovated the facade and side and discovered relics tracing to pre-Spanish era. It faces Manila bay and Rajah Sulayman Park which makes it also Manila's top tourist spot and selfie hotspot.


ST. ANTHONY PARISH

Located in Singalong Manila, it is also a parish complex with its own school integrated to it. It would look simple from the facade, but I love the parish for the minimalist yet striking look.



PACO CHURCH (San Fernando De Dilao Parish)


When Manila Cathedral was still under renovation, Paco Church served as the venue for the Archbishop Mass service, as well as other affairs. Also home to one of the largest Catholic Schools in Metro Manila, Paco Catholic School.





PACO PARK (St. Pancratius Chapel)

Used to be a cemetery, now a national park, which is now well-maintained with a minimal entrance fee of ten pesos but it is worth it with the beautiful scenery as well as part of history with the stone walls, the marker of Jose Rizal and Gomburza's resting place.




ADAMSON CHURCH (St. Vincent De Paul Parish)

Part of the Adamson University compound, the church is also behind the "national photobomber" Torre De Manila, which has changed its landscape and the look. Despite the weird background, it keeps it charm and identity as church close to students.





HOSPICIO DE SAN JOSE (Isla De Convalecencia)

The island has been the home of the abandoned and elderly for more than a hundred years and still providing and caring for them which helped raise a lot of children. They have a small yet beautiful chapel which provides as a spiritual haven for the residents of the island. 



ST MICHAEL AND THE ARCHANGELS SHRINE

The district of San Miguel was dedicated to Saint Michael and the Archangels. Located beside Malacanang Palace, it has changed a lot through time. And I am also glad to see a much larger space where they have a columbary, grotto, and the way of the cross. They also have the best food stop over for the hungry.





NATIONAL SHRINE OF SAINT JUDE THADDEUS

One of the churches always part of my Visita Iglesia route, also within Malacanang Complex, the church has been my devotion for the St Jude Novena. And every year, things improve, change, yet new and old devotees flock to it. Like it, we should always strive to be better.



SAN BEDA CHURCH (Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat)

One of my favorite churches because of the classic interiors with murals that speak from end to end of the church. It is also rare to find an "Abbey" here in Manila  which some I guess were destroyed during the second world war. Prayers in this church is indeed truly solemn.



SAN SEBASTIAN CHURCH

The only steel church in the country, the pride of the Recollects. Recently it faced the challenge of rust that could compromise the whole structure, they did made fund-raisers to have them reinforced which I believe still continues up to today.

QUIAPO CHURCH (Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene)

Everyone knows this church and with its popularity among its devotees has transformed it to the biggest and most influential religious structure in the Philippines. The Black Nazarene procession is mostly done in January but there is also a procession done on Good Friday. I do commend that they are expanding discipline measures to ensure safety and solemnity of every church activity.


STA CRUZ CHURCH 

Another iconic church that has undergone changes after the world war, it is located along the gateway to Manila Chinatown, the other end of the shopping center of Quiapo, and attraction of the district of the same name. I finally accepted the recent facade change  which was quite a shock for some, including me, and see this as a evolution of the church to make its make and not be be overshadowed by the other famous churches around it.


BINONDO CHURCH (Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz)
This church, despite the color change, still is kind of weird for me because despite being dedicated to the first Filipino Saint San Lorenzo Ruiz, doesn't have a visible art that tells the story of the saint. What we see are the Vatican inspired altar, huge renaissance ceiling murals. Though I still don't understand why, I do feel the influence of the Chinese community around it and how it also influences the Catholic way of life on them. 


MANILA CATHEDRAL

Our final stop, also the grandest as it was reopened after years of renovation. The Cathedral has indeed improved with no major changes in structure but rather in lighting and improvement of  the side chapels which are now well lit, arch details added and air conditioning improved. Since it was also "Year of Mercy" the Porta Sancta was also opened to serve as the entrance. Too bad we were not able to get the Pilgrim Passport which encourages Catholics to visit churches that helps in reflecting on the jubilee year.


SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH

Well this is actually the 15th church beyond from what was planned but I brought them there since we are already in Intramuros. Considered as one of the oldest stone churches in the country, it has retained its structure with some reinforcements to the facade to assure it will stay standing in the next centuries. 

With that it concludes the Visita Iglesia diaries 2016. Indeed it was an adventure for all of us, with new things to discover. A lot of pictures and selfies taken, a lot of food and water stop overs, also I am happy they appreciate the spiritual effect with the prayers being offered. A new path is scary, but it does lead to amazing discoveries and moments we will treasure in our lives.

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