Our Family Visita Iglesia 2014 comprised of nearby churches in Sta. Rosa and Binan, Laguna and one which people often confuse to be also in Laguna except that it is technically in Cavite.  We have been to most of these churches before but they all seem different in a Maundy Thursday setting. No activity can be seen happening on the main altar and instead, Eucharistic vigils were held on the side altars or their respective adoration chapels. The cross and other religious images were all covered in purple cloth. Everyone seems to be bent on reciting one or two parts of the 14 Stations of the Cross for every church visited. The minimal goal is to visit 7 churches but there is nothing that prevents anyone from visiting more.

nazareno

Before Maundy Thursday came however, the replica of the Black Nazarene from Quiapo visited our parish and passed by our village. It is of note that the original head and cross of the Black Nazarene stay behind in Quiapo so as to prevent any further damage to them. However, this replica uses the original body for processions.

Come Maundy Thursday, we went on our Family Visita Iglesia:

St. John Bosco Parish and Center for Young Workers

St. John Bosco Parish and Center for Young Workers is located at Laguna Technopark, Laguna Boulevard, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. It is run by Salesian Fathers with a special focus on the youth and the young workers. It should be noted that Laguna Technopark is home to many factories and companies employing thousands of workers.

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St. Benedict Church

St. Benedict Church is located at Ayala Westgrove Heights, Silang, Cavite. It is fast becoming one of the most preferred venues for wedding ceremonies. It is near St. Scholastica’s College.

Visita Iglesia2

Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish

Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish is located at Laguna Bel-Air Subdivision, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. Though situated inside a private subdivision, non-homeowners are welcome to come here.

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Chair of St. Peter Parish

Chair of St. Peter Parish is located at Balibago Complex, Balibago, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. Its pink-colored structure makes it very distinct in the area.

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Santa Rosa de Lima Parish

Santa Rosa de Lima Parish is located at Kanluran Poblacion Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. It is made of solid adobe stones with lime and mortar mixed with albumin. It was constructed in 1796.

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Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish

The Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish is located at National Highway, Binan City, Laguna. This is the only church we visited that night without any ongoing Eucharistic vigil. The inside of the church was so serene and beautiful made solemn by the monk hymns playing at the background.

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San Isidro Labrador Parish

San Isidro Labrador Parish is located at Poblacion Binan City, Laguna. It traces a long history from the time that Augustinian priests administered the parochial district of Binan in 1637. We saw a lot of big old religious images kept in n a room.

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My Say

We want to go a little farther next year, hopefully to churches we have never visited before. Anywhere where God resides, I’d gladly go with my family. I hope my children and those who will come after them will continue this tradition. I was very thankful that we were able to visit 7 churches even if we didn’t go far. It was the least we could do after receiving a visit from the Black Nazarene first.