Virtual Visita Iglesia: Here’s How You Can Still Go to Church this Holy Week

Don't let the quarantine break your traditions!
by Kaira Guerrero | April 07, 2020

By now, interacting and communicating virtually via apps is the new norm. Social distancing and strict Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) is still in place to help curb the spread of the coronavirus disease. If all goes well, Luzon’s ECQ is set to be lifted on April 13, but this means that we’ll all be spending Holy Week quarantined in our homes.

Don’t worry, thanks to technology, you can still fulfill your tradition of Visita Iglesia or visiting 7 churches while at the safety of your home. Google Map’s Street View feature provides a 360-degree view of various churches so you can explore as if you’re there.

How to use it: To do a Virtual Visita Iglesia, simply open Google Maps on the web, type in a destination, and drag the Pegman located at the bottom right of the screen to a specific area on the map. For mobile, just input the destination and tap on a place marker.

Here are some of the churches around the Philippines you could check out:

San Agustin Church, Intramuros

Located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros, San Agustin Church is considered to be the oldest stone church in the Philippines. It has gone through multiple renovations due to damage from wars during its early years. Now, it stands tall with its beautiful facade and interiors and has become one of the most visited stops during Visita Iglesia season.

Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish, Sta. Ana, Manila

This 300-year old church has become an important heritage site in the streets of Sta. Ana, Manila. There are many notable fixtures and historical ornaments inside the church including the revered image of its patron, Our Lady of the Abandoned, which was created in Valencia, Spain in 1713.

The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Concepcion, Manila

Most commonly known as the Manila Cathedral, it is a cathedral and basilica dedicated to the blessed virgin Mary. During Visita Iglesia, many families and devotees would include this church in their visits. It has had three historic apostolic visits, with the most memorable one from Pope Francis who also held his first Papal Mass in the country in this church back in 2015.

San Pedro Cathedral, Davao

Located at the heart of Davao City, San Pedro Cathedral is the city’s oldest church and is said to have been established by the first Spanish settlers in the province back in 1847. It is currently serving as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Davao and is considered a National Cultural Treasure for its distinct architectural features including its curved roofing that resembles a vinta carrying a cross at the helm.

Daraga Church, Albay

Originally established as a temporary settlement for the residents of Cagsawa during the Mayon Volcano eruption in 1814, Daraga Church has been renovated countless times to become a secular place of worship in Albay province. This religious architecture also contains several sections that are considered as a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines.

St. James The Apostle Parish, Pampanga

Also known as Betis Church, St. James The Apostle has also been called the ‘Sistine Chapel of the Philippines’, thanks to its intricate art painted on its ceilings. One look up at its dome and you will see images of several Catholic saints painted above. Because of its rich art and interior design, the church is recognized by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasure.

Saint Gregory The Great Parish Church, Majayjay

Standing at one of the oldest sites of early Catholicism in Laguna, Saint Gregory The Great Parish has a rich history dating back 1571 and contains antique displays of several saints and old liturgical objects. This is also declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum.

Basílica Menor del Santo Niño, Cebu

This simple church was declared a basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1965 and was recognized to be a symbol of the birth and growth of Christianity in the Philippines. Today, it serves to be one of the must-visit churches during Visita Iglesia for devotees in the province. It also houses some important relics, furniture, and documents dating back to the 17th century in its in-house museum.

How will you be spending your Holy Week this 2020?