FEATURE

Cebu is a cradle of religion. The history of Cebu definitely involved religion as the one of the
prime influences of the colonizers in the Philippines. Back in 1500s, Magellan captivated the
island and baptized the people. This is where the famous Sto. Niño of Cebu originated. Until
then, catholicism spread over the country. Then Roman Catholic became the religion of most
Filipinos.

Cebuanos are religious in their own ways. Special events such as Christmas, and Holy Week,
tend to become an avenue for the Filipinos to become religious and show their worship to God.
The Holy Week or commonly known as Semana Santa is the time for the people to repent for
their sins. Several activities were practiced during holy week but one of the traditions that most
Filipinos do is the Visita Iglesia. Visita Iglesia is done every Maundy Thursday of the Holy Week.
People visit different churches and pray to the almighty savior. Visita Iglesia can be done in
groups, one can do it with the family or any group of friends as long as the people involved
share the same intention of praying to God.

Cebu has lots of beautiful iconic churches. Churches that are structurally beautiful and
historically amazing were established in the Philippines. These churches can become possible
sites for Visita Iglesia, not just because of its beauty but also these churches are one of the
famous spots for Visita Iglesia. These are 7 churches that may possibly one of the Visita Iglesia
sites that you may want to add in your list in the future:

Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Therese

Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Therese was founded on 1964. The parish is located in
Lahug, Cebu City. On 1938, the Chapel of St. Therese of the Child Jesus built by Dr. Virgilio
Gonzales and his wife was already in ruins. However, some parts of the chapel still remain seen
by the people. Later on, Juan Alburo, a registrar of Southern College (now University of the
Southern Philippines) said that God called him to reconstruct the chapel, then the chapel was
remade as an avenue for the residents in Lahug to show their devotion to God.
St. Therese Parish is not only a church with a rich history but the people in Lahug are
devoted to show their love for God. People came to the parish and they held masses, and other
activities that can be done in the church. During the holy week, the parish is also open for
everyone to pray and repent on their sins and ask forgiveness from their God. The church offers
a silent ambiance that really helped the devotees to concentrate on praying and spending time
with God. However, if one would have Visita Iglesia, St. Therese Parish is quite far from other
churches, it is better to start of with St. Therese Parish in order to have time to walk or go to the
next church.
St. Therese Parish can be an additional to the Visita Iglesia list during holy week. Not
only the ambiance is highlighted with the convent but also the fact that it is a product of the huge
devotion of various people before and it is good to uphold that devotion even today.
Our Lady of Miraculous Medal
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Our Lady of Sacred Heart Parish

Our Lady of Sacred Heart Parish is also known as Capitol Parish. The parish is located
in Escario St., Cebu City. Capitol Parish is one of the known churches in Cebu City. In Capitol
Parish, the sides of the church are open which made the air to pass around the parish in and
out easily. Capitol Parish is known for its great masses every Sundays. The people liked the
choir in the church and also the priests presiding the mass.
During holy week, the parish is open for everyone to visit. Even though the parish is
located beside the street where public and private cars pass, the parish still offered complete
silence for the devotees. One can really concentrate due to the nice ambiance in the place. Not
so many people visit Capitol Parish during holy week so only a few people are in the parish. It
can also be one of the sites for a Visita Iglesia. It is just near some churches in downtown Cebu.
Capitol Parish is one of the ideal places to spend time during the holy week.

Redemptorist Church
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Santo Rosario Parish
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Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
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Basilica del Santo Niño
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