Filipino Catholics could still practice Visita Iglesia tradition online through the efforts of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and Google Maps. Churches are closed as part of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) launched Visita Iglesia online via https://cbcpnews.net/visitaiglesia/visita-iglesia-in-360/. Everyone is allowed to virtually visit seven or more churches at the comforts of their homes.
The Seven Churches Visitation is a pious Roman Catholic Lenten tradition to visit seven churches on the evening of Maundy Thursday. Following the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Blessed Sacrament is placed on the Altar of Repose in the church for Adoration.
Those who miss hearing the “pabasa” (chanting of the Lord’s passion) may also do this online as the said CBCP website also has this feature.
“It shouldn’t be less holy since what makes it really holy is the sacrifice of Christ and not the participation of people,” Father Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP Public Affairs Committee.
Visita Iglesia Online via Google Maps
Below are the eight beautiful churches you can visit through Google Maps:
1. SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH, INTRAMUROS
Located inside the walled city of Intramuros, San Agustin Church is considered the oldest stone church in the country.
Visit the church here.
2. OUR LADY OF THE ABANDONED PARISH, STA. ANA, MANILA
This 300-year-old church Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish has become an important site in Sta. Ana, Manila.
Visit the church here.
3. DARAGA CHURCH, ALBAY
Daraga Church was first established as a temporary settlement for the residents of Cagsawa during the Mayon Volcano eruption in 1814.
Visit the church here.
4. MANILA CATHEDRAL
The Manila Cathedral has had three historic apostolic visits, including Pope Francis’ first Papal Mass in the country in 2015.
Visit the church here.
5. ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE PARISH, PAMPANGA
Recognized as a National Cultural Treasure, St. James The Apostle has also been dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of the Philippines” because of the intricate art painted on its ceilings.
Visit the church here.
6. ST. GREGORY THE GREAT PARISH CHURCH, MAJAYJAY
Standing at one of the oldest sites of early Catholicism in Laguna, Saint Gregory The Great Parish is also a National Cultural Treasure.
Visit the church here.
7. BASILICA MENOR DEL SANTO NINO, CEBU
Declared a basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1965, this church is considered a symbol of the birth and growth of Christianity in the Philippines.
Visit the church here.
8. SAN PEDRO CATHEDRAL, DAVAO
San Pedro Cathedral is the oldest church in Davao City and is said to have been established by the first Spanish settlers in the province back in 1847.
Visit the church here.
Also read: Good Friday 2020: Quotes, Wishes, Messages, Facebook Status