A WEEK from now, most of us will be observing the Semana Santa or Holy Week. One of the Lenten traditions is the Visita Iglesia or Seven Churches Visitation.
This is usually done on Maundy Thursday. It is a pilgrimage, doing the stations of the cross. Others opt to do 14 churches, but there are other variations.
If you are planning to do a Visita Iglesia around Bacolod, here are seven churches that you might want to include in your list:
1. San Sebastian Cathedral
The cathedral is one of the major landmarks in the city. Situated at the heart of Bacolod, right across the Public Plaza, the San Sebastian Cathedral has a rich heritage that dates back to the 19th century, blending history and religion under one roof. The cathedral was named after St. Sebastian.
2. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Shrine
More popularly known as the Redemptorist Church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Shrine, is found along B.S. Aquino Drive. The façade may seem to look like a box-type structure from the outside, but the interiors, with its high ceiling, chandeliers and well-lit windows, has a warm ambiance.
3. Immaculate Conception Parish and Shrine
Although the parish began in 1960s, the current church only finished construction after 2009. From a makeshift wooden chapel, it is now a concrete edifice. The church is located in Barangay Villamonte, just behind the market. It is also known as the Church of the Poor as a school for the less-fortunate children was built to help the community.
4. Triumph of the Holy Cross Catholic Church
The octagon-shaped church along the highway of Burgos Extension in Barangay Estefania is an interesting place of worship. It has stained glass panels above and on four sides of the church. The airy interiors take in the natural surroundings of the place.
5. St. Jude Thaddeus Parish and Shrine
It looked like a church I saw in L.A. to what seemed like a Mexican architecture. The interiors have yellow lights, with the altar seeming like its glowing like gold. This church in Alijis is eye-catching and the insides even more interesting.
6. San Isidro Labrador Church
Right along the highway in Tangub, you will see a church when you head south. It has what looked like a loft and an intricate altar. Behind the altar is a glass window where light comes in.
7. San Juan Nepomuceno Parish
If you head straight south to Sum-ag, you will find the San Juan Nepomuceno Parish by the highway, near the market. A water fountain is found at the façade. Its interiors are somewhat similar to the San Isidro Labrador Church. The altar has a blue wall and there are relief sculptures around the church.
All photos are by author Claire Marie Algarme.
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