Lens Talk about Visita Iglesia 2012

Another fulfilled journey this year was my Visita Iglesia experienced. It took me to 3 different provinces close to my heart, Cavite, Manila and of course Laguna. A tiring yet humbling experience walking the way of the cross and during this journey I also let my camera talk.

So here’s what it has to say, listen as my lens talk about my Visita Iglesia experience.

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish
Rosario, Cavite

Located in the town of Rosario, Cavite, it houses the image of their beloved patron saint Nuestra Señora Virgen del Santissimo Rosario, Reina de Caracol. Their feast which is celebrated every October includes the “Caracol”, a ritual dance-procession done in honor of their patron saint.

St. Mary Magdalene Parish
Kawit Cavite

Situated in Kawit, Cavite, this church is considered as one of the oldest churches in the country. It was said to have been built of wood in 1638 and in 1737 its cornerstones and present structure were constructed. But due to some strong typhoon it was damaged in 1831.

The church was first handled by the Secular priests in 1786 and then followed by the Recollects in 1894. There are stories attributing that the installation of St. Mary Magdalene as their patroness was because Kawit then was considered as a Red Light District, thus in bringing back the townfolks to religiosity the Archbishop of Manila ordered to place St. Mary Magdalene as their patroness.

Shrine of Jesus The Way The Truth and The Life
Pasay City

Located at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City, this church is a project of the late Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin. It also house the Pope John Paul II Youth Center which is a dream of late Pope John Paul II expressed during the World Youth Day celebration in 1995. The church was dedicated and consecrated on July 9, 1999 by his Eminence the late Cardinal Sin with then Papal Nuncio Antonio Franco. The land and the church building was donated and built by Mr. and Mrs Henry Sy of the SM Group of Companies.

Nuestra Señora de Remedios Parish
Malate, Manila

Also known as the Malate Church it is also considered as one of the oldest churches in the country is the Malate Church. It was the Augustinian friars who established it  on September 8, 1588 with the image of Virgen de los remedios being brought from spain in 1624. The church has gone also to many calamities and destructions caused by eathquakes and war.

At present the church is being managed by the Columban fathers who took over from the redemptorist fathers in 1929.

St. Paul the Hermit Cathedral
San Pablo City, Laguna

Known also as the San Pablo Cathedral of the Diocese of Laguna, this church was first established in 1586 by the Augustinian friars. Its present structure meanwhile was constructed in 1714. It has the simple neo-classic design on its facade with a 4 storey octagonal bellfry on its side. And is has notable Romanesque touch by its large dome at the back end of it.

The Church is dedicated to St. Paul the Hermit who is its Patron Saint.

St. Bartholomew the Apostle Parish
Nagcarlan, Laguna

This Baroque style tiered wall church was first established in 1578, at that time it was still made of light materials though the supervision of Fray Tomas de Miranda. This present structure which is made by bricks and stones was constructed in 1583 via the helm of Fray Cristobal Torres. In 1781 it was damaged by fire thus making it reconstructes and erecting another structures with the addition of its muslim inspired crenellation bell tower.

This church is dedicated to St. Bartholomew the Apostle.

St. Gregory the Great Parish
Majayjay, Laguna

Declared as one of the National Historical Treasures in the Philippines by the National Historical Commision, Majayjay Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. Dedicated to St. Gregory the Great as its patron, this church have gone though different milestones and controversies.

The church was first established in 1571 by the Augustinian Missionaries and was made of bamboo. It was damaged by fire thus several reconstructions of church was made in 1576,1578 and 1606. The present stone structure was built in  1616 (which according to stories was done through force labor of the locals) and was finally completed in 1660.

This church also became controversial in the late 80’s and was in fact featured in several documentary reports by ABS-CBN when the townfolks charged then Parish Priest Jack Diaz of selling the antique pieces of the church which in the end seemed to be forgotten.

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