CEBU, Philippines - In a country where Catholics comprise more than 80 percent of the population, the Visita Iglesia during the Holy Week is a pious obligation. The Visita Iglesia is observed by the faithful as a form of religious penance during Maundy Thursday or Good Friday. Also known as the Seven Churches Visitation, the activity entails visiting seven churches for meditation and prayer.
This tradition is believed to have started way back during the Apostolic Age, when Christians visited churches of significant connection to Christ’s Passion. Another version traces the practice to the time of Pope Boniface VIII in Rome, where Christians visited seven basilicas which house tombs of famous martyrs in the city.
In Cebu, seven shrines and famous churches are favorite stops of devotees for the Visita Iglesia:
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Cebu City
The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Cebu. Established as the seat of the Bishop when Cebu became one of the suffragan dioceses overseen by the Archdiocese of Manila, the Cathedral’s architecture is of a typical Spanish influence. Its façade features a trefoil-shaped pediment decorated with carved reliefs of floral motifs, an IHS inscription and a pair of griffins. It is currently one of the most visited churches in Metro Cebu.
Shrine of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal, Bogo City
The Shrine of the Our Lady of Miraculous Medal is situated on top of a hill overlooking the North National Road, in Bogo City. The prominent statue of Mother Mary on top is reached by devotees climbing the steps on foot or through tricycle or private vehicle.
Nuestra Señora Virgen de Regla Parish Church, Lapu-lapu City
The church was established in old Opon in 1910. The original structure was, however, torn down in the 1960s and replaced with the present one in what is now Lapu-Lapu City. Our Lady of the Rule is also known as the Nuestra Señora Virgen De Regla, the title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary by the local faithful, attributing their prosperity as a blessing received through the Mama Mary’s loving intercession. The devotion to Our Lady of the Rule was started by St. Augustine, the bishop of Hippo in Northern Africa in the olden times.
Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine; Punta Princesa, Cebu City
It started when Don Pablo Atillo brought the image of Our Lady of Lourdes from Manila to Cebu in the 1930s. The Atillos being original settlers of the place were avid devotees of the Blessed Mother and wanted to share their faith to the entire community. Hence, the image of the Blessed Mother first found a home in a small chapel within their residence, attracting devotees from all walks of life. In a short time, the place became too small for the increasing number of worshipers who flocked to pay homage to the Blessed Mother. And so constructing a new church became necessary. The first Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes was built made of nipa and sawali. The structure stood in the site of the Don Bosco Youth Center as its first location.
Chapel of Holy Relics; Tabor Hills, Talamban, Cebu
Tabor Hill is also known as a “Marian Hill,” because of the various images of Mother Mary found in the area, including a figure of Our Lady of Consolation at the entrance and an image of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Millennium Cross, which stands 33 meters high, serves as a beacon to those who wish to reach Tabor Hill. The Cross is rooted on the 12th Station of the Cross, which depicts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. There are16 stations set up by the Order of the Discalced Augustinians, a religious society that dates back to 1558.
During the Lenten season, devotees flock to the Marian Hill to engage in solemnity and prayer. Visitors are welcomed by a chapel, which also serves as a reception area. There are grottos depicting the passion of Christ, as well as shrines dedicated to Mother Mary and a number of other saints.
Marian Shrine; Simala, Sibonga, Cebu
This Marian shrine is also referred as the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist. It stands on the hilly area of Upper Lindogon in Barangay Simala.
It was built by the congregation of Marian Monks of Eucharistic Adoration in 1998 when the image, brought by the monks from Pampanga, showed miracles during the height of an epidemic that killed many people in the community. The construction of the shrine was reportedly made possible by the donations of faithful pilgrims. (FREEMAN)