Visita Iglesia 2013

Visita Iglesia 2013 - 

Visita Iglesia is a solemn religious activity by Catholics. This was my first time ever to have done this spiritual activity. The feeling was very rewarding and I'm fulfilled in a very spiritual way. It is best to start in the morning so you'll finish by twilight. During this time, most people assemble in groups and they would walk their way to the church with a megaphone, praying the rosary as they marched. For some, private cars were a means in hopping from one church to the other and because of this parking lots surrounding the church area were packed with variety of private vehicles. But nevertheless, the feeling that you've accomplished such act was very uplifting. So, I'm hoping to do this again next year and hopefully with a new set of itinerary.

Accompanied with my three gorgeous friends; Darlyn, Angelie, and Era, these were our itinerary of the fourteen Churches we've visited:

1. San Lorenzo Ruiz Church - Located in Brgy. Tisa Cebu City. Going here was navigable. you can ride a jeepney from wherever you were and then just walk or take a pedicab going to the church. For those with a car, the parking area was not so spacious. The church area was specifically surrounded with residential homes, so it was like going inside a village and there you can find this church. The interior is modern, the distance from the entrance to the altar was short, it was pretty much a typical barangay church.

2. Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church - 

Located in Brgy. Punta Princesa Cebu City. This Church and the 1st one were neighborhood churches. Brgy. Tisa and Labangon were right next to each other.
I come here more often because first it's easily seen and second the parking space is huge. The church ceilings were high which allowed the air to move freely. The walk from the entrance to the altar was quite long.

The interiors were also modern, no paintings on the ceilings, just stained glass used for the windows. Outside they also have a huge Mother Mary grotto and a bell tower.

3. Catholic Church of Holy Cross Parish  - 

Located in Brgy Basak, Pardo, Cebu City. It was like stationed in the uphill because upon entering, it was kind of steep. The church was also very typical, made of concrete walls. It has a bell tower too. 

My friends were kind of hungry so we took a break for a minute. Right outside, food was already visible so we ate "kwek-kwek" and fish balls paired with a gulaman juice.

4. Sto. Tomas De Villanueva Parish - 

Located in Brgy. Pardo Cebu City. The church was very magnificent and was one of the oldest churches in Cebu City. It has a life sized angel statue right at the entrance of the church.

Parking space was not a problem at all and in going here one can simply take a jeepney. The church is situated beside the main road.

The interior was very nice. It was like made of gold and the lights illuminating the walls did a great job in creating that effect.

5. Alliance of Two Hearts Parish

Located in Banawa, Cebu City. I thought it was a chapel at first due to its size and location. It was like a private chapel for the residents living in the area. It has a small grotto outside the church. It is convenient to come here with a private car rather than commuting because you might get lost. One can come here using two different directions, either you pass by Happy Valley Street or Banawa Street. 

The image of Jesus Christ in a coffin-like see through glass was prepared by the help of the residents. This was in preparation for the Easter Sunday.

6. National Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe

Located in Brgy. Guadalupe, Cebu City. I do admire the vastness of this church, from its facade to the intricate arches of its interiors, this was really well thought of. 

The stained glass windows of the church showed the fourteen stations of the cross.

7. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish

Located at N. Escario St., Cebu City. The church has a huge Virgin Mary Statue which was very noticeable even if you were still at the opposite road. The church is small and not too much parking space. 

Ministop was just right at the corner so we decided to take a bite first before continuing our journey.

8. St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish

Located in Brgy. Lahug, Cebu City. This was my first time to came here. The church was small, with low ceilings and the center aisle was a short walk.

Here, the church's windows was not all made of stained glass.

9. Carmelite Monastery

Located at Juan Luna Ave., Cebu City. I was impressed upon the sight of this church. This was my first time here and I never thought it would be this grand. This church will be a perfect setting for weddings.

Here was the view of the church outside. It has a large statue of Virgin Mary. The design of the stained glass windows was just perfect and complements the church's interior.

Here was the church gate entrance.

10. St. Joseph Patriarch Parish

Located in Brgy. Mabolo, Cebu City.  The church was huge and it has a very good parking area. From outside the church looked darker because of its lights which were only a few.

11. The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Located at D. Jakosalem St., Cebu City. This church was a popular venue for weddings, and certainly it does look good on pictures. This was a perfect choice mainly because of its interiors, the wonderfully carved arches, the design on the stained glass windows, the overall impact of the church just have a romantic feel to it.

Here the big cross statue at the facade of the church was astonishing. 

12. Redemptorist Church

Located at Queen's Road, Cebu City. The church was grand in size. It has an airy feel to it and the walls and the ceilings were all painted in white.

The church's well crafted interiors.

13. Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

Located at Mabini St., Cebu City. This was one of the grandest and brightest church by far. At night it looked like one huge block of gold carved into a wonderful church. An ideal and intimate venue for weddings. 

The church view outside. I was mesmerized just by seeing the entire beauty of the church. The lights were conveniently positioned to show its grandeur.

The statues and architectures located at the church gardens were very gorgeous.

14. Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino

Located in Osmena Blvd., Cebu City. The most well-known, symbolic landmark catholic church in Cebu City. This was one of the oldest church in Cebu and very historical in nature. As visitors, seeing and feeling this church would totally complete ones stay in the Queen City of the South. The church was very magnificent and every time I went here, the church just totally amazes me. The church interior was perfectly crafted to its elegance. The paintings on the ceiling created a historical vibe, of a seemingly precious treasure that one should care about.

The church served as the City's symbol of faith. During the celebration of Sinulog Festival every 3rd Sunday of January, the church's entire ground, inside and out, were all filled with devotees of the child Sto. Nino.

Here the church reserves and area where people can lit candles and say their personal prayers.

Our Visita Iglesia ended exactly at 12:00 midnight, and to think we've started at around 2:00 pm. I'm so happy how it turned out. My first time ever and we successfully completed all fourteen churches.

'Till next year!