Christians have an annual tradition called Semana Santa to commemorate the passion of Jesus Christ. During this season, people do the Visita Iglesia - a tradition that is originated in Rome. It is known as a pilgrimage for penance. Traditionally done every Maundy Thursday, it is now practiced any day within the Holy Week before Good Friday comes. However, in my case, I usually do the Visita Iglesia every Good Friday with few friends and sometimes alone.
Here are the Seven Churches I visited in Bohol
1. MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP (Locally known as Inahan sa Kanunayng Panabang)
This is actually a chapel and not a church, but one of the most visited chapels in Bohol located in Cortes, Bohol.
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| Birhen sa Kanunayng Panabang Chapel |
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| The Altar inside the Chapel |
2. MARIBOJOC CHURCH
It is also known as Santa Cruz Parish Church or Holy Cross Parish Church. It was designated by the diocese as the Diocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer. It was also declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum Philippines and a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
When a 7.2 Magnitude earthquake struck in Bohol and other parts of Central Visayas in 2013, the entire building crumbled to the ground, leaving only the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus standing.
I, unfortunately, couldn't take any photos of the remaining statue for there were a lot of people during the time I visited.
3. CALAPE CHURCH (The Epitome of Bohol Gothic)
It is a good example how colonial styles persisted. As to aesthetic view from outside, do not be fooled, Calape Church has a very fascinating external design that I do not normally see in other churches I visit in Bohol.
4. LOON CHURCH (it was dark already when I arrived so I couldn't take photos of the remaining buildings after the earthquake)
The Nuestra Senora de la Luz Parish Church (also Our Lady of Light Parish Church), commonly known as Loon Church. The entire church building and convent were reduced to rubble when a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Bohol and other parts of Central Visayas on October 15, 2013.
5. BIRHEN SA KALOOY (The Virgin that appeared from a shell)
Aside to the waves of the sea in the silent area of Calape, Bohol, God chose a place to let people witnessed a miracle which is an Image of the Virgin of pristine beauty is mysteriously forming a shell.
From a poor man's catch to an everyone's hope, the Birhen sa Kalooy continues to work miracles that reached far and soon in a national scope.
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| The Birhen sa Kalooy Chapel |
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| Birhen sa Kalooy of Calape, Bohol |
6. BIRHEN SA BARANGAY PARISH CHURCH
The Church known as the Shrine of the Birhen Sa Barangay is found in the Cogon District, one of the largest barangays of Tagbilaran City. Centrally and strategically located in this northern area, its imposing dome along Airport Road seems but a stone's throw from the highway towards Maribojoc town.
7. ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER CATHEDRAL
The cathedral of Saint Joseph the worker, the main seat of the Catholic faith in Bohol, sprawls on a wide area facing Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, the principal street of Tagbilaran City. Located in the central part of the city, the church has a picturesque setting. In front of it is the City plaza, famed for its flocks of doves and a haven for those who yearn to be alone to meditate, or to rest and relax, or to enjoy a tete-a-tete.
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| The Cathedral (Photo courtesy of Google) |
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| We lit candles and offered a prayer as the last thing we did in Visita Iglesia 2017 |
It would be better if you would start your Visita Iglesia early so as to be sure that you will have ample time to visit all churches in your itinerary. Having your own car or motorcycle will be a big help.
