Holy Week Road Trip: 10 Places You Can Visit for Visita Iglesia
Holy week is coming and its time again for everyone to use this opportunity to be closer to God and strengthen our faith through Visita Iglesia. So in this article, we’re going to share with you places that will help you reflect and get to know God more.
Famous pilgrim sites in the Philippines
Holy Land in Baguio
Not many may know about it but right in the heart of Baguio is their very own Holy Land. It’s a walking tour where you get to witness key events in the Bible starting from the book of Genesis up to the time Jesus had to die on the cross to save us.
Ticket Rate: 350 per head for children above 3 feet and adults
Website: baguioecopark.com/ticket-rates/
Lourdes Grotto in Baguio
And while you’re in Baguio, don’t forget to visit the Lourdes Grotto in the western part of the city. It has been the favorite pilgrimage site of Filipinos since the 80s wherein visitors need to climb 252 steps to reach the top and pray to Mother Mary.
Website: http://www.cityofpines.com/lourdesgrotto.html
Divine Mercy Statue in Bulacan
Just a few hours away from Manila is the tallest statue of Divine Mercy. It is 100-foot high and is located in Marilao Bulacan. Father Prospero Tenorio, the man behind the idea of constructing the Divine Mercy Statue, said he wanted people to visit the statue and feel God’s mercy. It is 5 hectares big so there’s a lot of things to see when in the area including the Lourdes cave with flowing water. Its water is believed to be able to heal sickness.
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Regina RICA in Tanay, Rizal
Now if you’re coming from the south or would love to explore Rizal, you shouldn’t miss visiting Regina RICA in Tanay. Guests will have to climb over 300 steps of stairs to reach the 71 foot tall Our Lady of the Holy Rosary statue. Inside it is a small chapel where you can pray to our Mama Mary. It is situated in a 13.5-hectare land that also features a labyrinth walk, bahay kubo, columbary, way of the cross, and a lot more.
Website: reginarica.org
Marian Orchard in Balete, Batangas
And while you’re in the south, why not drop by the Marian Orchard in Balete, Batangas. It is a beautiful spiritual oasis where you can renew your Catholic faith. Its serene landscape is inspired of European garden that also features an angels gate, Marian Plaza, Garden Steps, Rosarium, and the Via Crucis with the 14 Stations of the Cross.
Website: http://www.marianorchard.com/development-updates
http://www.marianorchard.com/holy-week-operating-hours
Mother of All Asia Tower of Peace in Montemaria, Batangas
Another beautiful and holy place to visit in Batangas is the Mother of All Asia pilgrimage center. It is situated inside a 22-hectare land that also comes with its own condotel rooms, villas and residential accommodation for retirees.
Website: http://www.montemaria.com.ph/about.html
Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon
Now heading back to the north is the Kamay ni Hesus Healing church. It features a 50-foot high statue of Jesus, pilgrim station, Garden of Eden and a Noah’s Ark model inside a 5-hectare shrine.
Website: kamaynihesus.ph
kamaynihesus.ph/2018/03/10/semana-santa-sa-kamay-ni-hesus-2018/
Monasterio de Tarlac
Another popular holy week destination in the north is the Monasterio de Tarlac. It is a278 hectare Ecotourism park that features a 30-foot high statue of Jesus Christ. Viewing it in the day is as majestic as seeing it at night. Just make sure you do not schedule a visit on Thursdays as they are closed.
Website: http://www.facebook.com/Monasterio-De-Tarlac-140567616022745/
Sacred Heart of Jesus in Capiz
And if by any chance you can visit Capiz, make sure you drop by at the Sacred Heart of Jesus and view the giant statue of Jesus Christ. It is 132-foot tall monument that was built in 2015.
Website: http://www.facebook.com/Sacred-Heart-of-Jesus-Shrine-318194818258837/
Banal na Bunduk in Mount Arayat
Another popular pilgrim site in the city of Pampanga is the Banal na Bunduk, Dalan Ning Krus. It is situated in the municipality of Magalang, Pampanga where visitors need to go uphill to see all 14 Stations of the Cross. But once it is completed, visitors will be rewarded with the most beautiful scenery of Pampanga River, Bataan, and Zambales at the summit.
Website: http://www.facebook.com/BanalNaBundukDalanNingKrus/
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