Visita Iglesia is a Lenten tradition commonly observed by Catholics on Maundy Thursday. It involves visiting and praying in seven churches (or more) to reflect on the Stations of the Cross, which commemorate the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Why Seven Churches?
The number seven symbolizes the seven last words of Jesus on the cross. While seven is the traditional number, many faithful choose to visit more churches as an expression of deeper devotion.
This year, we visited several churches across Metro Manila, including some of the most historic ones located in the City of Manila, a place rich in religious and cultural heritage.
Baclaran Church/The National Shrine of our Mother of Perpetual Help
Thousands of devotees visit Baclaran Church every day, especially during the Wednesday Novena. The shrine welcomes pilgrims from all over the country who seek miracles through Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Address: Redemptorists, Baclaran, Parañaque City, Philippines
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Binondo Church
Binondo Church is built in 1596 at the center of the world’s oldest Chinatown. The church honors San Lorenzo Ruiz, who once served here as an altar boy before becoming the first Filipino saint.
Address: 1006 Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo, 1006 Metro Manila
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Church of Santa Cruz
Jesuits established Santa Cruz Church in the 1600s to serve Manila’s growing Chinese Catholic community. The church showcases Baroque architecture and continues to stand as a major landmark in the Santa Cruz district.
Address: Plaza Santa Cruz, Manila 0900
The Manila Cathedral
The Archdiocese of Manila leads the Manila Cathedral, which stands proudly in Intramuros. Builders reconstructed it multiple times after earthquakes and war, allowing it to serve as a symbol of resilience and faith.
Address: Cabildo corner Beaterio Streets, Intramuros, Manila
San Agustin Church
Augustinian friars completed San Agustin Church in 1607, making it the oldest stone church in the Philippines. The church attracts visitors with its stunning Baroque interior and rich cultural history.
Address: General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila
Quiapo Church
Devotees flock to Quiapo Church to venerate the Black Nazarene, believed to be miraculous. The church hosts the enormous annual Traslación, drawing millions of participants.
Address: Church, Plaza, Miranda, Barangay 307, Quiapo, Manila
St. Joseph the Worker Parish
The parish honors St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers, and encourages devotion to family and labor. It actively engages the community through outreach programs and spiritual activities.
Address: St. Joseph Avenue, Barracks II, Tala 1427 Caloocan City
Shrine of our Lady of Grace
The Oblates of Mary Immaculate administer the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace in Grace Park, Caloocan. The parish welcomes worshippers seeking a peaceful place for prayer and reflection.
Address: Shrine of Our Lady of Grace St. Eugene De Mazenod Avenue Grace Park, Caloocan City
OLAP – Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish
The parish celebrates the Annunciation, which recalls the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary. It supports a vibrant community by offering ministries focused on growth and faith formation.
Address: St. Dominic III Subd. 1116, Mindanao Ave Ext, Tandang Sora, Quezon City
San Bartolome de Novaliches Parish
San Bartolome, Novaliches, is a barangay in Quezon City, Philippines, with a population of over 51,000. The area is home to SM City Novaliches, located along Quirino Highway, which opened in October 2010.
Address: Quirino Hiway corner P. dela Cruz St., San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City
Our Lady of Mercy Church
The National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Mercy is a Roman Catholic church under the Diocese of Novaliches in the Philippines. Established in 1856 by Augustinian missionaries from Spain, it stands as the oldest parish in the diocese.
Address: Dumalay St. corner Quirino H-way, Sta. Monica, Novaliches, Quezon City
