Spiritual Reflection: Visita Iglesia 2013

Visita Iglesia: Pray and Reflect

Holy Week is celebrated worldwide and here in the Philippines, Filipinos' traditionally celebrate it by doing Visita Iglesia otherwise known as church visits. The Visita Iglesia is a Lenten tradition of visiting 7 churches or religious sites and is usually observed during Maundy Thursday. The significance of visiting these places may originate from various associations:

1. Jesus Christ's 7 scripture passages during his arrest and trial.
2. The 7 Last Words of Jesus Christ.
3. His 7 Holy wounds (5 wounds plus the scourge marks and his broken left shoulder).
4. The first Christian Holy sites in Israel.
5. 7 Deacons of the 12 apostles.
6. The 7 ancient basilicas in Rome.

Last Holy Week, me and my two friends Anne and Romel visited 12 churches here in the heart of Metro Davao (original planned 14 because we associated it with the 14 stations of the Cross). This was also my second time to do it (2009: waiting for the NLE board results). So, below are the 12 beautiful churches here in Davao that we visited.

1. STA. ANA CHURCH

STA. ANA CHURCH: J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City

2. OUR LADY OF FATIMA

OUR LADY OF FATIMA: Boulevard, Davao City

3. SACRED HEART

SACRED HEART: Obrero, Davao City

5. REDEMPTORIST CHURCH

REDEMPTORIST: Bajada, Davao City

6. ST. JOSEPH PARISH

ST. JOSEPH: Sasa, Davao City

7. Carmelite

CARMELITE: Lanang, Davao City

8. ASSUMPTION CHURCH

ASSUMPTION CHURCH: F. Torres St., Davao City

9. ST. JUDE PARISH

ST. JUDE PARISH: Malvar St., Davao City

10. SAN PEDRO CATHEDRAL

SAN PEDRO CATHEDRAL: San Pedro St., Davao City

11. ST. FRANCIS CHURCH

ST. FRANCIS: Maa, Davao City

12. HOLY SPIRIT ADORATION CONVENT (PINK SISTERS)

PINK SISTERS: Bangkal, Davao City

It was already past 6 pm when we finished our trip. But then, I can definitely conclude that it was all worth it despite of the super hot weather. I sincerely prayed not only for myself but as well for my family, friends and to all the people who are dear to me that they may be well, happy, contented and have a stable spiritual growth and strong connection with God; Who is the light of the world, our creator and the sole author of our life.