This is your ultimate Visita Iglesia guide for Manila churches.
During Holy Week, Catholics go the extra mile in their practice of penitence. Thousands of faithful visit churches to pray the Via Crucis or Stations of the Cross. Walking through seven churches, devoted pilgrims pray two stations in each church they visit.
What do we do during Visita Iglesia?
Visita Iglesia, translated as "Church Visit" in English, is a cherished tradition observed by Catholics around the world, particularly during the Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday. This solemn practice involves visiting several churches, typically seven, to reflect on the Stations of the Cross and offer prayers at each stop. Here's what you can expect during Visita Iglesia:
Spiritual Reflection: Visita Iglesia is a time for deep spiritual contemplation and introspection. As you journey from one church to another, take the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of Jesus Christ and the significance of each Station of the Cross.
Prayer and Devotion: At each church, devote time to prayer and meditation. Offer intentions for yourself, your loved ones, and the world as you pause to connect with the divine.
Stations of the Cross: Many churches display the Stations of the Cross, depicting Jesus' journey to Calvary. Take time to walk through these stations, reflecting on the profound meaning of Christ's passion and sacrifice.
Confession and Reconciliation: Some churches offer the sacrament of confession during Visita Iglesia. Take advantage of this opportunity for spiritual renewal and reconciliation with God.
Community and Fellowship: Many Catholics undertake Visita Iglesia with family, friends, or fellow parishioners. Share in the journey of faith as you pray together and support one another in your spiritual endeavors.
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WHAT TO BRING FOR VISITA IGLESIA
Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:
- Stylish face mask
- Water container/tumbler to rehydrate
- Sunscreen for skin protection
- Travel backpack / luggage
- Reusable vacuum storage packs
- Selfie stick
- Acion cam
- WiFi kit
- Power bank
Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:
Here is a route to seven churches in Manila that Catholics can walk through in their Visita Iglesia this Holy Week.
1. Our Lady of Remedies Parish (Malate Church)
First on the list, we start by visiting this church in Malate. Built by the Augustinian friars in 1588, the Malate Church is one of the oldest Churches in the Philippines. The church features a “good blending of Muslim and baroque architecture”.
Location: 2000 M. H. Del Pilar Street, Malate, Manila [ See Directions ]
Mass Schedule: [ See Schedule Here ]
2. Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guia (Ermita Church)
Heading northwest on M.H. del Pilar, pilgrims can dedicate 15 minutes of walk to Ermita Church.
Ermita Church |
The church that enshrines the oldest Marian image in the Philippines was elevated to the status of an archdiocesan shrine in 2005 by then-Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales.
Location: A. Flores, Ermita, Manila [ See Directions ]
Mass Schedule: [ See Schedule Here ]
3. Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Consolacio y Correa (San Agustin Church)
A 25-minute walk from Ermita Church, San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila stands as the oldest stone church in the Philippines.
With its Baroque architecture, this historic church was declared a National Cultural Treasure by then-President Marcos, Sr. in 1973 and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993.
Location: 181 Gen Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila [ See Directions ]
Mass Schedule: [ See Schedule Here ]
4. Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral)
Also inside the Intramuros, Manila, Manila Cathedral is just 5-minutes away from the San Agustin Church.
The Manila Cathedral, being the Premier Church, Cathedral, and Basilica, serves as the Episcopal Seat of the Archbishop of Manila. It is the first Cathedral in the Philippines and also the only church in the country “elevated to the rank of a Basilica by the Pope’s own initiative (motu proprio)”.
Location: Cabildo cor., Beaterio Streets, Intramuros, Manila [ See Directions ]
Mass Schedule: [ See Schedule Here ]
5. Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo Church)
20 minutes from Manila Cathedral, pilgrims can proceed to the Binondo Church in their Visita Iglesia. The Church was dedicated to the first Filipino saint, San Lorenzo Ruiz. The saint once considered the church as his spiritual home.
In 1992, His Holiness, Pope John Paul II granted the Binondo Church the “minor basilica” title “in honor of the first Filipino saint.”
Location: Plaza de San Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo, Manila [ See Directions ]
Mass Schedule: [ See Schedule Here ]
6. Archdiocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament (Santa Cruz Church)
In just 10 minutes of walk from Binondo Church, pilgrims can reach their sixth church – the Santa Cruz Church. The church enshrines a replica of the statue of Our Lady of the Pillar venerated in the city of Zaragoza, Spain.
Location: Carriedo St., Plaza Santa Cruz, Sta. Cruz, Manila [ See Directions ]
Mass Schedule: [ See Schedule Here ]
7. Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church)
Five minutes from Santa Cruz Church, pilgrims can pray their last two stations of the Cross in Quiapo Church. Who wouldn’t recognize this church flocked by multitude of devotees annually to honor the Black Nazarene?
The church having a significant role in deepening devotion to Jesus Christ was recognized as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene by His Holiness, Pope John Paul II on December 11, 1987.
Location: Plaza Miranda, Quezon Blvd., Quiapo, Manila [ See Directions ]
Mass Schedule: [ See Schedule Here ]
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA
Klook.comVisita Iglesia Manila
Here's a list of churches in Manila you can visit for Visita Iglesia:
- Our Lady of Remedies Parish (Malate Church)
- Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guia (Ermita Church)
- Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Consolacio y Correa (San Agustin Church)
- Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral)
- Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo Church)
- Archdiocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament (Santa Cruz Church)
- Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church)
Optional:
- Basílica Menor de San Sebastián (San Sebastian Church)
Visita Iglesia Manila Map Guide
Here's a guide map you can download for your Visita Iglesia in Manila:
Visita Iglesia Manila Map Guide |
Important Reminders
- The Visita Iglesia Manila route is more or less 5.5 kilometers in distance. The farthest in between is the walk from Ermita Church to San Agustin Church which is about 2.2km.
- The whole Visita Iglesia will take for approximately 2 hours of walk and stops (given you stop for 5 mins each church).
Other Visita Iglesia Guides in the Philippines
- 7 Churches to Visit in Pasig
- 7 Churches to Visit in Taguig
- 7 Churches to Visit in Quezon City
- 7 Churches to Visit in Rizal
- 7 Churches to Visit in Cavite
- 7 Churches to Visit in Laguna
- 7 Churches to Visit in Batangas
ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA
WHERE TO STAY IN MANILA
Here's a list of hotel accommodation you can book in Manila:
- Octagon Mansion Hotel - Check Rates and Availability!
- Bayview Park Hotel - Check Rates and Availability!
- Go Hotels Ermita - Check Rates and Availability!
- City Garden Suites Hotel - Check Rates and Availability!
- Pearl Manila Hotel - Check Rates and Availability!
- Sunny Bay Suites - Check Rates and Availability!
IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.
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