A Note to Readers:
Before you begin, I want to offer a friendly disclaimer. This blog post recounts my family's annual Visita Iglesia, a Catholic tradition observed during Holy Week. While I've included stories about the patron saints of the churches we visited, I want to acknowledge that these accounts are based on what I've been told and may not be entirely accurate in every detail. Furthermore, I understand that not everyone in our community shares the same religious beliefs. My intention is simply to share a personal experience and a family tradition, not to impose any particular religious viewpoint. I hope you'll enjoy reading about our journey, regardless of your own background or beliefs. Thank you for your understanding. 😊 👍🏻
From GIF Peakd
Last Thursday, April 17th, marked our annual Visita Iglesia, a cherished Holy Week tradition for our family. My father's 1:00 PM announcement signaled the start of our pilgrimage to seven churches, a journey that unfolded in a way none of us anticipated. While I initially expected our usual route through Danao, Maslog, Compostela, and Liloan, this year's adventure took a delightfully unexpected turn northward.
Our journey began not in the familiar towns I'd envisioned – Taytay, Guinsay, or Carmen – but in the charming old city of Catmon. This was a first for me. The church, dedicated to Saint Joseph, was a revelation. Its circular design was captivating. Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, is revered for his unwavering faith, obedience, and his role as the protector and provider of the Holy Family. His life exemplifies humility, strength, and selfless devotion, making him a fitting patron saint for families and workers. The scenic route to Catmon, reminiscent of past beach trips with friends to the newer Catmon, added to the day's charm.
From Catmon, we continued to Carmen, a familiar stop whose patron saint is St. Augustine. Although I've been there many times, the church still held a certain novelty. St. Augustine, a renowned philosopher and theologian, is known for his profound insights into faith and reason. His conversion story and his dedication to intellectual and spiritual pursuits make him a symbol of intellectual honesty and spiritual transformation.
Next, we visited the Padre Pio de Padua Church in Guinsay—a unique blend of church, school, and retirement home. Padre Pio, a Capuchin friar, is known for his profound piety and the stigmata he bore. His life is a testament to unwavering faith, enduring suffering, and unwavering dedication to prayer and service.
From GIF Peakd
Our journey continued to Taytay, where we visited the church of Saint Peter. This was a first for me, despite its proximity to a cemetery I often pass. Saint Peter, one of Jesus's closest disciples, is remembered for his initial denials of Jesus, followed by his profound repentance and unwavering devotion. His story is a powerful reminder of forgiveness, redemption, and the strength of faith. A concerning incident—a person collapsing near street food vendors—occurred along the way, but paramedics arrived promptly.
The bustling Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Danao was our next stop. Saint Thomas de Villanueva, a 16th-century Dominican archbishop known for his exceptional piety and charity, is revered for his dedication to the poor and his unwavering faith. His life serves as an example of selfless service and compassionate leadership. The sheer volume of Visita Iglesia participants and the resulting parking chaos made this stop memorable, albeit challenging. We grabbed refreshments to rest before continuing.
Maslog, the gateway to Compostela, was our penultimate stop. The church, dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, provided a welcome respite. Saint Francis, known for his profound love for nature and his dedication to serving the poor, is a symbol of humility, compassion, and a deep connection with the natural world.
Finally, we reached Compostela, where the magnificent architecture of the Saint James the Great Church—resembling a castle—and its beautiful garden left a lasting impression. Saint James, one of Jesus's apostles, is known for his missionary journeys and his martyrdom. He is a symbol of courage, faith, and unwavering devotion to the Gospel.
Exhausted but fulfilled, we returned home, our hearts filled with the spirit of the season and the joy of shared family time. This year's Visita Iglesia was a delightful surprise, a testament to the beauty of unplanned adventures and the enduring strength of family traditions. Each church, with its unique patron saint and story, added depth and meaning to our spiritual journey.
