7 Churches to Visit in Quezon City for Visita Iglesia
Visita Iglesia, or visiting churches, is one of the most common practices of Filipinos during Holy Week. Here are some churches in Quezon City that you can go to.
Visiting churches—known as Visita Iglesia—is one of the practices done by Catholic Christians worldwide during Holy Week. Usually, the number of churches depends on the tradition practiced by the family, but the most common practice is visiting seven churches on Holy Thursday.
If you’re from Quezon City or would like to venture into that area, you should know that this city has many beautiful churches that families can visit. Here are some of them.
1. Sta Maria della Strada Church: Katipunan, Corner Pansol Street
The Sta. Maria della Strada Church is located in Katipunan, corner Pansol street in Quezon City. It’s close to the trio of schools in the area: Ateneo de Manila University, Miriam College, and the University of the Philippines. The church has been renovated in recent years and an aircon has been added for those who hear mass.
2. Church of the Gesu: Ateneo de Manila University
Completed in 2003, the Church of the Gesu has become the place of worship for students of Ateneo. The Gesu is located across the Bellarmine field and lies close to the college buildings on campus. A statue of Jesus with welcoming arms is seen in the middle, which symbolizes its openness in welcoming people into the church.
3. Christ the King Parish: Greenmeadows, Libis
Christ the King Parish is located near Greenmeadows in the Libis area. The church is often a location for weddings and even houses a crypt for the deceased. Many also go to hear mass in the Church because it also provides aircon when the weather gets hot.
4. Sacred Heart Church: Kamuning
More than just wet and dry markets, and dressmakers and tailors, Kamuning, Quezon City is where The Sacred Heart Church is located. It’s one of the many churches that devotees can drop by for their Visita Iglesia. Food stalls are available outside for hungry churchgoers after saying their prayers.
5. Immaculate Conception Church: Cubao
Also known as the Cubao Cathedral, the Immaculate Conception is another church that many visit during their pilgrimage. Its frescoes are the reason many people look at it after attending the mass. The colors inside the church also pop out when the lights are turned on.
6. Mount Carmel Church: New Manila
The Mount Carmel Church—now known as the Minor Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel—is one of the churches located on Broadway, New Manila, Quezon City. It’s a popular venue for wedding receptions, birthday parties, baptismal parties, and other events, as it is spacious and comes with airconditioning.
7. Sagrada Familia Chapel: Gateway Mall, Araneta City
Tucked inside Gateway Mall is the Sagrada Familia Chapel, where after some shopping and dining, families can listen and attend mass. Or, they can make the special trip to complete their Visita Iglesia. The interiors according to the Araneta City website are “an all-white interior, inspired by The Oculus in New York City, to provide a calming backdrop for contemplation and meditation. “
More on Holy Week!
How Families Can Make Holy Week Fun in Metro Manila