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Holy Week is just around the corner, and for a predominant Catholic country like the Philippines, most of us will become busy when the occasion arrives. One tradition that Filipinos have practiced for many years during Lenten Season is the Visita Iglesia or Seven Churches Visitation. As the name states, devotees will faithfully visit seven churches on Maundy Thursday as an act of penance and pray before each of its Blessed Sacraments.
For those of you who are already planning of what churches to visit, you might as well get away from your area. A great recommendation is to travel north, where you can revel with some of the most famous churches built in the country. Some may be new and unheard for, but they offer quite an amazing experience for pilgrims. And the journey is hassle-free if you take TPLEX (Tarlac – Pangasinan – La Union) to get from one location to another real quick.
Here are some recommendations for you Holy Week getaway in the north:
Padre Pio Parish – Pozorrubbio, Pangasinan
The St. Padre Pio Parish shall be the first in your itinerary as it is the nearest when you take the recently opened Pozorrubbio Exit via TPLEX. The church was built in an effort by almost 2000 families within the community. It is just three years old and still in development, but since the route became more accessible through TPLEX, there are already plenty of pilgrims dropping by.
Minor Basilica of our Lady of the Most Rosary of Manaoag – Manaoag, Pangasinan
Better known as the Manaoag Church, it is probably the most popular entry in this list. Located on top of a hill in Manaoag, Pangasinan, the church has been granted a special bond of spiritual affinity with the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome in 2011. On October 2014, it was declared a Minor Basilica by Pope Francis, and the Solemn Proclamation mass occurred on February 2015.
You can tour by the churche’s museum where you can learn all about the history of the place and to witness some replicas, artifacts and antique mass instruments. At the back of the Minor Basilica of our Lady of the Most Rosary of Manaoag, pilgrims can light candles and offer prayers at the candle gallery.
Immaculate Conception Parish Church – Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija
Also known as to be the Diocesan Shrine of the Holy Face of Jesus of Manopello, this modest church, though a simple looker from its façade, actually houses some important relics and miracles. Here lies the shroud of turin, a first degree replica of the cloth bearing the face of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Behind the church is a cave-like chapel in which the Holy Cross of the Bone Relics of Saints rests. Also, along the chapels’ pillar and walls, images of Jesus Christ and St. Padre Pio can be spotted.
Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus – Ramos, Tarlac
Considered as the Wedding Capital of Tarlac, this magnificent church is one of the few who still commence the old practice of weddings. The other special thing about this church is that it houses the bones of St. Therese, making this a holy destination of devotees. It also has wide villas perfect for hosting receptions.
Josemaria Escriva Parish – Gerona, Tarlac
This is the first ever church built in the Philippines and the whole Asia dedicated to St. Josemaria Escriva, Saint of the Ordinary and known founder of the Opus Dei. The interior of the church looks incredibly stunning, with brown and gold motif and a ceiling with a design that amusingly resembles a luxury brand. A great recommendation is to visit it the last. The parish has a small chapel beside it. Also, it has a drive-thru Blessed Sacrament at the back of the altar.
To fill your “7” Churches visitation, you can visit”:
*San Sebastian Cathedral or Tarlac Cathedral – Tarlac City, Tarlac
*Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception – Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
If you have a spare time to do side trips as you fulfil your Visita Iglesia, you can try and visit these places that are just around the corner of the churches you will visit:
Blade Culture International
Blade Culture International (BCI) is in Pozzorubio, Pangasinan, just a couple of blocks from St. Padre Pio Parish. A legitimate blade smith factory, BCI is the most popular sword maker in Pangasinan. They are known for commissioning swords for Hollywood movies and TV shows. They make everything from the shortest daggers to the largest swords. They even said they make kunai like those used by ninjas. For “Panday” wannabes, you can actually have the chance to learn how to forge blades because BCI offers certification for those who will train under them.
Ruperto’s Restaurant and Resort
If you ever got hungry along the way, a good recommendation is to visit Ruperto’s Restaurant and Resort. The place is just around the corner of TPLEX Binalonan Exit in Pangasinan. Offering both a reastaurant, hotel and resort for tourists, it is a great stop for people on their way to Manaoag Church. Their restaurant offers favourite Ilokano dishes such as Pork Igado, Beef Pinapaitan, Pakbet Ilikano, Inihaw na Bangus, Dinengdeng, etc. Their Binalonan Longganissa is a must try.
Anao Ylang-Ylang Center
Taking the Anao Exit in TPLEX will bring you the Ylang-Ylang center. Anong the way, you can see rows of Ylang-Ylang trees and can smell their scent along the breeze. The place was one of the top producers of the plant’s extract. The extracts are used for making perfumes, soap, massage oils, ointments and even car fresheners.
You can grab one or two of these items in the nearby Aromanao Ylang-Ylang store.
In your next Visita Iglesia, be sure to include these recommendations and a have a safe Holy Week celebration!
