Holy Week Tradition: Visita Iglesia in San Miguel, Manila
By edelweiz on 18th April, 2009
I’ve only done it thrice in three consecutive years. But for the Techo family, completing Visita Iglesia (two stations per church, total of seven churches) during the Lenten Season in San Miguel, Manila is a tradition. They’ve been religiously doing it annually since the 1970s when Edwin’s parents raised a family in the area.
This year, we were able to continue this tradition on Maundy Thursday. We started a bit late this time. My brother Danison joined us, too. It was a very hot day (summer’s here!) so we brought umbrellas and wore sun glasses for protection. The elders made sure we have eaten already so we’d have the staying power to reach the last church. And we did. Thanks to our faith.
Danison and I before our mini road trip
People from different walks of life braved the intense summer heat to perform The Way of the Cross. Their walking side by side carrying umbrellas and bottled water on the hands was a pleasant sight. The vendors situated by the church grounds sold everything from candies and snacks to sodas and rice meals. They were busy tending to the needs of their incoming and outgoing customers. It was a typical scenario during the Holy Week.
Photo Credit: http://www.dez-myonlineworld.com (facade only)
This year, we were able to continue this tradition on Maundy Thursday. We started a bit late this time. My brother Danison joined us, too. It was a very hot day (summer’s here!) so we brought umbrellas and wore sun glasses for protection. The elders made sure we have eaten already so we’d have the staying power to reach the last church. And we did. Thanks to our faith.
People from different walks of life braved the intense summer heat to perform The Way of the Cross. Their walking side by side carrying umbrellas and bottled water on the hands was a pleasant sight. The vendors situated by the church grounds sold everything from candies and snacks to sodas and rice meals. They were busy tending to the needs of their incoming and outgoing customers. It was a typical scenario during the Holy Week.
Here are some of the churches we visited:
Not in the photos are St. Jude Shrine (where devotees converge every Thursday) and San Miguel Shrine, respectively. Both are located within Malacañang Complex.
Nothing beats doing Visita Iglesia with family and friends. It’s always a perfect opportunity to bond with each other while remembering Jesus and thanking Him for his sacrifices for humanity.
I hope you all had a blessed and meaningful Holy Week! 
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