RENEWED DEVOTIONS Many Filipino Catholics are resuming Lenten traditions missed for two years due to the pandemic. Devotees get at early start on Holy Wednesday at San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila. —RICHARD A. REYES
MANILA, Philippines — Eight churches in Intramuros reopened their doors from Maundy Thursday until Good Friday for pilgrims and tourists who will observe the Visita Iglesia.
Visita Iglesia is the tradition of visiting at least seven churches during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday to commemorate the 14 stations of the cross.
According to the Intramuros Administration (IA) on its website, the eight churches which are open for Visita Iglesia are:
-San Agustin Church
-Shrine of Jesus, The Divine Teacher Chapel at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
-Santa Rita Chapel at Mapua University
-Sacred Heart of Jesus Chapel at Lyceum of the Philippines University
-Colegio de San Juan de Letran Chapel
-St. Matthew’s Chapel at the BIR Building
-Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine at Fort Santiago
The IA noted that the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church are accessible to the public on regular days.
Via Crusis or the Stations of the Cross installations are put up along General Luna Street from Beaterio Street to Muralla Street.
In 2019, around a million individuals flocked to the walls of Intramuros for Holy Week.
During the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, the Church had prohibited the observation of Visita Iglesia and processions during Holy Week in line with the government’s imposition of the quarantine and travel restrictions to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.