Rizal Visita Iglesia 2012

So last year it was Visita Iglesia in Bulacan, as you have read in my previous posts. I was thinking many people have been doing the same thing ages ago, so what makes this different? The plan was not to stick to one place, but visit many!

Due to budget constraints and logistics, Rizal province seemed the most economical and most accessible, and with heritage churches all over Rizal, there couldn't be a better choice. More so, it seems like a better starting point for those who want to try something different during the Lenten Season.

Being a firm Catholic, I really have to express my disagreement in replacing usual Lenten practices with vacation on a beach or some fun place. But no one can really blame the people taking their time off to relax and enjoy since there's no day of the year that can give a 4 day rest from work. In reality, whatever anyone does during Maundy Thursday or Good Friday, so as long as its done in the mindset of "reflection and penance" and doesn't violate any morals is more or less acceptable. Visita Iglesia is a pilgrimage, and it definitely falls under the recommended practices during Lent.

Bulacan Visita Iglesia 2011 Map

For the adventurous who want to try a Visita Iglesia not in Metro Manila, try going to Bulacan this Holy Week and visit some churches there. If you're not from there or do not have any relatives in Bulacan, go during the day. At least when you get lost, there will still be people you can ask for directions. Or just follow the map I used. :) You will only see maps as images on this article. For photos of the churches visited last year, please click The Bulacan Visita Iglesia.

The Bulacan Visita Iglesia

The province of Bulacan, home of many old churches and a lot of history. This is became the destination of my Visita Iglesia for 2011. The Visita Iglesia or church visit, goes way back when the early Christians visit the 7 great basilicas in Rome for the adoration of the blessed sacrament. For convenience, usually one goes to churches within the immediate vicinities. This is my attempt to go out of convenience.

First stop, the Barasoain Church in Malolos. This church housed the first Philippine Republic and the site of the Constitutional Convention. It is a popular tourist destination, and one of the most beautiful churches in the province.

The second church on the list is the Santiago de Apostol in Paombong, Bulacan or St. James and it was along the way to Brgy. Kapitangan, Paombong. The attempt to go to the Bisita(chapel) at Kapitangan was cut short because of the narrow roads and no parking space. This is where the Hampas Dugo are and a reenactment of the crucifixion takes place. Unfortunately, these penitents all go out during Good Friday.

So after abandoning the search for the Hampas Dugo penitents, Hagonoy is next where the National Shrine for St. Anne stood. This century-old church is the only place in the Philippines where the relics of St. Anne and St. Joachim, parents of the blessed Virgin Mary, are kept.

Here is a shot of the beautiful interior of the Shrine of St. Anne. The ceiling is made of real wood and the local artisan's artworks are impressive.

After the shrine, we head back to a church we skipped. The seat of the Diocese of Malolos, The Basilica Minore of the Immaculate Concepcion. Located at the center of Malolos, this was the seat of executive power of Emilio Aguinaldo for a few years.

Sta. Isabel was the next stop. Partially hidden from the high volume roads of Malolos and not as big as Barasoain and the Basilica, this church boasts of a greener patio and courtyard.

A view of the interior of Sta. Isabel.

After Sta. Isabel, the next stop was Sta. Rita de Cascia. It wasn't a church that might get awarded with heritage benefits, but the church is known for its unique design during the Holy Week. Arriving at the church, the design is still being put up, yet in its assembly stage, it already looks good. I skipped the part of taking photos of this church, since its setup wasn't completely done yet.

The seventh stop of the Visita Iglesia ended in the oldest church in Plaridel, the Santiago de Apostol. According to records, this church had stood for 400 years.

Altar of Santiago de Apostol in Plaridel

Visita Iglesia de Bulacan

Bulacan. Once the seat of the first republic in Asia, this province holds a lot of history in its soil. Cradle of heroes and artists, the province is proud of its glories. On its ground stands the old churches of the country. And these will be the destination for this Maundy Thursday.

First stop will be the place of the former headquarters of the Philippine Republic, the Barasoain Church. From there next will be the churches of Paombong where the Hampas Dugo penitents will hopefully be, then back to Malolos passing through the Minor Basilica towards the churches of Guiguinto.

Tomorrow, I will post about the churches we visited.

Update: Here is the link to my post of my Visita Iglesia 2011.