An unplanned activity yesterday(April 2), when my father decides to have Visita Iglesia in different churches.
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When was the last time we do it together with my parents? I can't remember already, it's been too long. When I renew my faith and become born again, I was busy with my church activities, I haven't had the chance to join my parents again. Still I respect their beliefs and practices from old church doctrines.
HOLY WEEK IN THE PHILIPPINES is very unique and at the same time well organized by the whole Christian-Catholic community.
Traditionally, Catholics are well reserve this day and have all the sacrifices to be followed by going to church, while modern Catholics are just relaxing, taking advantage of the long vacation they have by going to the beach or staycation by having a movie marathon at home.
I decided to follow my father and observe how practicing Catholic do during Lenten Season.
VISITA IGLESIA is an old religious tradition that most of the CATHOLICS followed during Holy Week. This is where they visit FIVE or SEVEN churches usually on Maundy Thursday. This is where we recite the 14 STATIONS OF THE CROSS. For some others, they visit 14 churches for 14 stations each, but for some others they prefer 5 or 7 churches to visit or for those who have no means in transferring churches they prefer to stay in one church.
My parents prefer to visit 5 churches only, churches that are significant to them:
*vicariate- an apostolic territorial jurisdiction
San Pedro Cathedral located at San Pedro St., Davao City
San Pedro Cathedral is the oldest Church in Davao City and a premier historical landmark too. This is the center of the Archidioecesis Davaensis (Archdiocese of Davao), the set of the Archbishop.
The interior design is modernly designed with stained glass images of biblical scene, as well the altar reflect the old design of San Pedro Parish way back 1901.
My last visit here happened last month, during my youngest daughter BACCALAUREATE MASS for their graduation.
ST. JUDE THADDEUS PARISH located at Malvar St., at the back of Davao Doctors Hospital
This church is famous for devotee students and professionals who are praying for a positive result from an exam or having an upcoming exam, asking for guidance and enlightenment, most of them are board exam takers.
Jude or Thaddeus, was a brother of James the Less and relative of Jesus. He is one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus. Called as the patron saints of desperate, hopeless and lost causes.
Church was founded in 1965 under the vicariate of San Pedro. One of a fully airconditioned churches here in Davao.
My last visit here is when my friend parents have their wedding vow renewal that was 3 years ago.
OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION PARISH located at F. Torres St., Davao City
According to Catholic Church, the Assumption means is the bodily taking up of Virgin Mary into heaven this happened at the end of her earthly life. Virgin Mary was taken up into heaven while still alive, bodily and soul.
The church is founded in 1959 still under the vicariate of San Pedro. though there are changes in their interior, still the place looks solemn to me.
My last visit here is when my mother stayed at the CURSILLO HOUSE just beside Assumption Parish way back 80s.
REDEMPTORIST CHURCH located at JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City, fronting Abreeza Ayala Mall
Redemptorist Church is formerly known as the Mother of Perpetual Help Parish founded in 1972. The church is HOME to good people who are lending help and caring homeless people. Under the Vicariate of San Pedro.
I like the ambiance of this church, fresh and very cool. And very accessible to jeepneys, Taxi's, mall, hotels, etc...
OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH located at Fatima St., Piapi, Boulevard, Davao City
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Our Lady of Fatima was founded in 1952, under the vicariate of St. Anne or Sta. Ana Parish.
One of the most memorable place of my life. How can I forget this place, my parents serve in this church for a long time as a Marriage Facilitator Counselor. This is where I was baptized and have my confirmation. And I served as a Catechist and a choir at the same time. But when we transfer house in 1996, both my parents and I stop serving the church for good, but still when I got married, I chose Fatima Parish for my wedding ceremony and my eldest daughter was baptized here too.
We haven't visited the place for so many years and for the first time, we were amazed to see it again.
So overwhelmed with the new things I see inside, from the interior design of the altar, the ceiling, the door in the middle door fronting the altar, and etc..everything was new to me.
So these are the five churches we've visited. You can visit this place if you need spiritual guidance or just want to experience and see the marvel architectural design these churches have. Here in Davao City, Philippines the most dominant group is Roman Catholic at 83.83%, Christian groups comprise to 15% only and others belong to remaining 1.17% for non-Christian like Islam, Buddhism, etc.
All are significant churches to us and worth visiting. Whether you are a non-Catholic believer, you can still take time to reflect while visiting these churches. As I said, I respect my parents belief and I don't have problems about that as long as there is unity and peace in our home. For us we avoid to talk about religion.
All religion are equal. If you cannot respect religion then know that its followers are human it hurts when someone criticize your beliefs and religions etc..so set an example.
For now, my two girls are still young to know all of these things but as they grow up I know they will understand. To have a story like these who gone through a lot, it is a painful process -- emotionally and physically. But I can say that, for me at least, the rewards of my journey have been more than worth it.
The important is you have RESPECT and HAVE PEACE within yourself and to all mankind. And that is the new command that Jesus has taught us: "TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER. AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, SO YOU MUST LOVE ONE ANOTHER." John 13:34
I did not block them just because of their RELIGION, I look at people from other faiths as people and not as categories or religions.
HOLY WEEK IN THE PHILIPPINES is very unique and at the same time well organized by the whole Christian-Catholic community.
Traditionally, Catholics are well reserve this day and have all the sacrifices to be followed by going to church, while modern Catholics are just relaxing, taking advantage of the long vacation they have by going to the beach or staycation by having a movie marathon at home.
I decided to follow my father and observe how practicing Catholic do during Lenten Season.
VISITA IGLESIA is an old religious tradition that most of the CATHOLICS followed during Holy Week. This is where they visit FIVE or SEVEN churches usually on Maundy Thursday. This is where we recite the 14 STATIONS OF THE CROSS. For some others, they visit 14 churches for 14 stations each, but for some others they prefer 5 or 7 churches to visit or for those who have no means in transferring churches they prefer to stay in one church.
My parents prefer to visit 5 churches only, churches that are significant to them:
*vicariate- an apostolic territorial jurisdiction
San Pedro Cathedral located at San Pedro St., Davao City
San Pedro Cathedral is the oldest Church in Davao City and a premier historical landmark too. This is the center of the Archidioecesis Davaensis (Archdiocese of Davao), the set of the Archbishop.
The interior design is modernly designed with stained glass images of biblical scene, as well the altar reflect the old design of San Pedro Parish way back 1901.
My last visit here happened last month, during my youngest daughter BACCALAUREATE MASS for their graduation.
ST. JUDE THADDEUS PARISH located at Malvar St., at the back of Davao Doctors Hospital
This church is famous for devotee students and professionals who are praying for a positive result from an exam or having an upcoming exam, asking for guidance and enlightenment, most of them are board exam takers.
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| (c) The LONE TRAVELLER |
Jude or Thaddeus, was a brother of James the Less and relative of Jesus. He is one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus. Called as the patron saints of desperate, hopeless and lost causes.
Church was founded in 1965 under the vicariate of San Pedro. One of a fully airconditioned churches here in Davao.
My last visit here is when my friend parents have their wedding vow renewal that was 3 years ago.
OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION PARISH located at F. Torres St., Davao City
According to Catholic Church, the Assumption means is the bodily taking up of Virgin Mary into heaven this happened at the end of her earthly life. Virgin Mary was taken up into heaven while still alive, bodily and soul.
The church is founded in 1959 still under the vicariate of San Pedro. though there are changes in their interior, still the place looks solemn to me.
My last visit here is when my mother stayed at the CURSILLO HOUSE just beside Assumption Parish way back 80s.
REDEMPTORIST CHURCH located at JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City, fronting Abreeza Ayala Mall
Redemptorist Church is formerly known as the Mother of Perpetual Help Parish founded in 1972. The church is HOME to good people who are lending help and caring homeless people. Under the Vicariate of San Pedro.
I like the ambiance of this church, fresh and very cool. And very accessible to jeepneys, Taxi's, mall, hotels, etc...
OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH located at Fatima St., Piapi, Boulevard, Davao City
Our Lady of Fatima was founded in 1952, under the vicariate of St. Anne or Sta. Ana Parish.
One of the most memorable place of my life. How can I forget this place, my parents serve in this church for a long time as a Marriage Facilitator Counselor. This is where I was baptized and have my confirmation. And I served as a Catechist and a choir at the same time. But when we transfer house in 1996, both my parents and I stop serving the church for good, but still when I got married, I chose Fatima Parish for my wedding ceremony and my eldest daughter was baptized here too.
We haven't visited the place for so many years and for the first time, we were amazed to see it again.
So overwhelmed with the new things I see inside, from the interior design of the altar, the ceiling, the door in the middle door fronting the altar, and etc..everything was new to me.
So these are the five churches we've visited. You can visit this place if you need spiritual guidance or just want to experience and see the marvel architectural design these churches have. Here in Davao City, Philippines the most dominant group is Roman Catholic at 83.83%, Christian groups comprise to 15% only and others belong to remaining 1.17% for non-Christian like Islam, Buddhism, etc.
All are significant churches to us and worth visiting. Whether you are a non-Catholic believer, you can still take time to reflect while visiting these churches. As I said, I respect my parents belief and I don't have problems about that as long as there is unity and peace in our home. For us we avoid to talk about religion.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
All religion are equal. If you cannot respect religion then know that its followers are human it hurts when someone criticize your beliefs and religions etc..so set an example.
For now, my two girls are still young to know all of these things but as they grow up I know they will understand. To have a story like these who gone through a lot, it is a painful process -- emotionally and physically. But I can say that, for me at least, the rewards of my journey have been more than worth it.
The important is you have RESPECT and HAVE PEACE within yourself and to all mankind. And that is the new command that Jesus has taught us: "TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER. AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, SO YOU MUST LOVE ONE ANOTHER." John 13:34
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