Visita Iglesia in Leyte, Pangasinan, Masbate, Sorsogon, Cebu

Today is Maundy Thursday and this is usually the time for Visita Iglesia. Most families, groups of friends, relatives or individuals come together visiting at least seven (7) churches and recite the Stations of the Cross. According to written sources, this tradition dates back to the Apostolic Age. And until now many are still practicing this custom in commemoration of the Maundy Thursday and Holy Friday.     

Since I cannot do this tradition this time around due to uncooperative weather, I’ll be doing my Visita Iglesia by listing down seven churches captured by my phone camera the past few months. 

1. Holy Trinity Parish in Alangalang, Leyte

This church is located right across the Alang-Alang municipal hall. I took this picture a few weeks after super typhoon Yolanda devastated some parts of Leyte including this town. Yolanda took away the church roof but the façade remained majestic.       

2. Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish in Danao City, Cebu

I took this picture of the vintage church when I went to Camotes Islands in Cebu. This is in Danao City, couple of hours land trip away from Cebu City. You can reach Danao by riding a van in SM City Cebu public terminal. Across the church is Danao port where you can board a ferry going to Camotes Islands and Ormoc City.      

3. St. Anthony of Padua Cathedral in Masbate City, Masbate

Nothing really is spectacular about this church. But this is one of the landmarks in Masbate City. Located in Magallanes area, this church is popular among Roman Catholics in the city. Down at back of the church is the city port.

4. Our Lady of the Pillar Church in Pilar, Sorsogon

Another simple church it is. You will see this when you’re going to Pilar port. When you’re from Legazi/Daraga, you’ll see this to your left before the jeep, van or bus swerves to the right and enters the street leading to the pier. It is a little bit elevated so you have to use the stairs going up the church. 

5. St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Dagupan City, Pangasinan

It was my second time in this church when I took this picture using my celfone. I was here the first time during the wedding of an officemate whose wife is from Dagupan. The church structure is different from other churches. It’s a little “boxy”. When you’re inside, it feels like you’re in a box. The church is just near the City Hall of Dagupan.

6. Cathedral of Our Lord’s Transfiguration Parish in Palo, Leyte

This needs no elaboration assuming that you have read my previous post about this church. It’s enough to say that this is memorable to me. This serves as a landmark in Leyte as this is located in a corner lot where vehicles going to Tacloban City coming from Ormoc and Mindanao pass by.

7. Basilica Del Sto. Nino in Cebu City, Cebu

Among the churches I’ve mentioned, this is the most popular. It needs no elaboration either. It’s located right in the heart of Cebu City and a popular destination among foreign and local tourists. If you’re taking photos of the famous Magellan’s Cross, there is no reason not to visit this church as both are just in the same vicinity.