DURING Lent, Catholic churches are normally a hive of activity. This year, however, a deafening silence envelops the churches as most of the faithful are compelled to stay at home in line with the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

SunStar Philippines reporter Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo visited on Holy Wednesday, April 8

, the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church), Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) and the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (Redemptorist or Baclaran Church) in Metro Manila.

Malonzo also went to the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Marilao, Bulacan and the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Shrine in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. (SunStar Philippines)