12 must-visit churches for Visita Iglesia across the Philippines

Story by Salma Langko and Karen A.P. Caliwara

During Holy Week, countless Filipinos participate in Visita Iglesia, a solemn tradition involving
visits to seven churches on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Given that over three-quarters of the
nation identifies as Roman Catholic, this tradition is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the
Philippines. Fortunately, the Philippines is home to a plethora of churches, each a testament to
architectural brilliance and rich historical significance. As the nation observes Holy Week, PEP.ph
(Philippine Entertainment Portal) takes the opportunity to put a spotlight on 12 churches that
are National Shrines, National Cultural Treasures, and National Landmarks.

Note that churches in Metro Manila are not included on this list as they have already been featured
in this article.

NATIONAL SHRINES

At press time, there are 28 shrines honored by Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines
(CBCP).

For a church to be called a national shrine entails validations and certifications.

The first requirement is that the place of worship must be designated as a diocesan or archdiocesan
shrine, an honor conferred by the local bishop or archbishop.

And to fulfill this first requirement, the church must exceed other churches in terms of worship,
Christian formation, and social services.

NATIONAL SHRINE OF PADRE PIO, BATANGAS

The National Shrine of Padre Pio in Santo Tomas, Batangas, is a relatively new addition,
constructed just 20 years ago, in 2003.
Made primarily of indigenous materials, it features a distinctive design resembling a bamboo and
nipa chapel, topped with a structure shaped like a Filipino farmer's hat, known as a salakot.

Recognized for its significance, the church was officially declared a National Shrine in 2015.

MINOR BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF PENAFRANCIA, NAGA

The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga City, Camarines Sur, is a cherished historic
site symbolizing centuries of devout worship.

This National Shrine is known as the spiritual home of Ina, the beloved devotion of Our Lady of
Peñafrancia.

Built in 1711, the basilica was a gift from Rev. Miguel Robles de Covarrubias, the man who
brought Ina's devotion to the region.

Today, this basilica continues to inspire faith and pilgrimage among believers.

SPECIAL MENTION: BARASOAIN CHURCH, BULACAN

One of the top religious landmarks in Bulacan is Barasoain Church, also known as Our Lady of
Mount Carmel Parish and is deemed as "the most important religious building in the Philippines."

This religious and historic site witnessed three key events in Philippine history: the First Philippine
Congress in 1898, the drafting of the Malolos Constitution in 1899, and the inauguration of the
First Philippine Republic in the same year.

Read more at 12 must-visit churches for Visita Iglesia across the Philippines (msn.com)