Backtrack // Manila pilgrimage
I had always been curious about Visita Iglesia, and although I had experienced joining a Marian pilgrimage before as a requirement in our religious education class, I wanted to take part in church visits that are more personal, intimate, and profound.
Fortunately for me, two college friends expressed the same desire. So, one afternoon in March, we embarked on our spiritual journey, visiting seven churches in Manila. I offered prayers and petitions in each of the churches, some of which I managed to document in my notebook and I am posting here.
- Chapel of the Crucified Christ | St. Paul University Manila, Malate, Manila
Declared as a National Heritage Site, the Chapel of the Crucified Christ, also the oldest historical building under the congregation of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres in the Philippines, survived World War II. Its facade remained intact even after the Japanese soldiers occupied the school premises and “burned and blew up the chapel”.
Photo source: St. Paul University Manila’s website“I pray that the Lord take away my bitterness in life, especially as regards my university experiences. I pray that I may learn to forgive all who had wronged me.”
- Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene / Saint John the Baptist Parish | Quiapo, Manila
“I pray for two of the most important male persons in my life right now: MFL and JFP. Bless the former with happiness and good health. Take care of him so he may take care of others. Touch JFP so he may renew his faith in You and that he may find strength and courage to face the adversities of life.”
- Santa Cruz Parish | Sta. Cruz, Manila
“I pray that all who are hopeless, sick, embittered, lonely, and suffering find rest in You.”
- Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo / Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish | Binondo, Manila
“I pray that my sister be able to successfully finish college with a degree in Architecture, with no failing mark.”
- Our Lady of Remedies Parish | Malate, Manila
“I pray for the health of my father and the safety of my mother in Israel.”
- National Shrine of our Mother of Perpetual Help / Redemptorist Church | Baclaran, Parañaque City
“I thank You, Lord, for all the blessing You have bestowed upon me. I may not be able to acknowledge all of them, but I am happy despite my worries and frustrations. I am sorry for not doing enough for You.”
- Shrine of Jesus, The Way, The Truth, & The Life | Pasay City
Confession was ongoing when we dropped by the last church in our agenda. I took the chance to avail of the sacrament of reconciliation. What a memorable way of ending the day!
Quoted from the confessor: “If you believe you're really good, then you can excel.”
Both Flery and Nathan had posted entries about the experience in their blogs, as well. Theirs come with photos though. Boo me for not bringing my camera. •
Sidenote: The spiritual journey ended with a Ferris wheel ride at the Mall of Asia, as Nathan requested for it. Flery and I surmise that he planned everything about the pilgrimage because he was after this ride.
^ Moving image above (without watermark) from Flery Robles
Also, we stopped over a restaurant in Binondo in the afternoon and found what possibly could be the biggest siopao, photo by Flery Robles.