Bataan - My First Visita Iglesia

My idea on Visita Iglesia before is merely an excursion – a defiance to the real essence of Lenten Season. Because I was taught that instead of joining pleasure trips, Lent especially Holy Week should commemorate solemnly for it’s time of self meditation, penitence and repentance. That’s why I haven’t joined or experienced any Visita Iglesia yet before.

But this time I have just gone on a Visita Iglesia. It was even a last minute decision that made me or us once again ‘chance passengers’. Of course things had to consider first. I was informed that this Visita Iglesia which we are about join is a whole day pilgrimage to 7 churches in Bataan praying the Stations of the Cross, visiting historical landmarks, and building up communion among parishioners together with our parish priest. That (referring to the itinerary) convinced me that it will not be an excursion.

Our first stop was in St. Peter of Veronica Parish in Hermosa.

   

a baccalaureate mass was being held

 so we started the station of the cross outside

 

Next was in St. John de Baptist Parish in Dinalupihan

  

a wedding was about to begin 

 

and so we held the next station of the cross again outside

Our journey continued to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Orani

 

  

 where our parish priest conducted a mass

 Part of the itinerary is going to the top of Mt. Samat

 where the Shirne of Valor or Dambana ng Kagitingan is located

 

This was perhaps the most tedious yet memorable part of the entire pilgrimage because we had to climb some 300 steps to reach the top. Despite this, I was amazed that my mom and the other elderly in our group made it.

 view from the top of the giant cross

 with my pilgrim buddies (ate agnes, nanay & ate reah) at the viewing gallery inside the wing of the cross

 World War II Museum in Mt. Samat

 where artifacts from the war are on display

Another fascinating church we visited was the Our Lady of Pillar

The church was one of the best I’ve ever seen; its modern design belies how old it really is.

Then we quickly dropped by into St. Joseph Parish in Balanga

 where we weren't able to stay long due to the mass going on that time

 Our pilgrim ended up in St Dominic de Guzman in Abucay

one of the oldest churches in Bataan

who becomes the witness of the Spanish era.

As we traveling back home I realized Visita Iglesia is not really an excursion but more on an educational trip and pilgrimage rolled into one for we get a glimpse of Philippine culture while we pray.

I may had different perception on this activity but no matter what it is we should not forget the true meaning of Lenten Season. Whether you join a Visita Iglesia or just quietly spend it in your home, this is the moment to remember what Jesus Christ did in the cross and that is to give us the gift of forgiveness and hope.

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This Visita Iglesia was organized by our Parish Church and facilitated by Tanawin Marikit Tours.

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To Get There:

By Car

Bataan is a little bit over two hours away from Metro Manila. From Manila, you can drive to North Luzon Express Way and exit to San Fernando. From San Fernando take the National Road straight to Bataan. From North Luzon Express Way you can also exit to Dau and take the SCTEX. Once in SCTEX exit in Dinalupihan. Dinalupihan is already Bataan. 

By Bus

Getting to Bataan by bus takes around three hours. There are bus lines, specifically Genesis and Bataan Transit, in Cubao, Pasay and Manila that offers daily trips to Balanga City and Mariveles Bataan. The fare going to Balanga costs about 220 Php from Avenida, Manila terminal.