With the gradual lifting of pandemic restrictions across the country, 2022 has given us, Filipinos, a refreshing change. And, with Holy Week approaching, it’s good to know that we can all enjoy our Visita Iglesia, but with very few cautionary guidelines.
According to a post by The Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga remains in an Alert Level 1 status from March 1 to 15, 2022, allowing for a larger number of people to attend public gatherings while adhering to minimum health protocols. These liturgical directives for Holy Week and Easter 2022, in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, are issued within these parameters.
Everyone is expected to follow the government’s strict policy on “Social Distancing” and the wearing of face masks during church services. After liturgical celebrations, they continue to sanitize their churches and provide alcohol for the sanitation of our faithful.
The full Archdiocesan Liturgical Directives for Holy Week 2022 from the Archdiocese of San Fernando can be found here.
The Holy Week in 2022 will take place from April 14, 2022 (Maundy Thursday) to April 17, 2022. (Easter Sunday). During Holy Week, Filipino Catholic families are known to make time for the Visita Iglesia or the Seven Church Visitation. It is usually done on Maundy Thursdays when devotees visit at least seven churches, sometimes fourteen, to honor and pray for the blessed sacrament. Some would also pray two stations per church while doing the Stations of the Cross. Visita Iglesia, like everything else related to our Catholic beliefs, is thought to have been introduced to us by the Spaniards, as we still believe to this day.
There are many beautiful churches in Pampanga that you should visit as part of your Iglesias Visita. Here’s a list of 7 Churches to Visit for Visita Iglesia When In Pampanga:
- San Guillermo Parish Church, Bacolor Pampanga
Image Credit: Pinoy Churches
San Guillermo Parish Church, named after Bacolor’s patron saint, was built in 1576 but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1885. It was rebuilt in 1886 with the help of Fr. Eugenio Alvarez. The Lahar buried half of the church during the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. The church was already a well-known tourist destination prior to the tragedies, and now both local and foreign tourists flock to the church’s remaining features.
Check out the San Guillermo Parish Church’s schedule of masses and other liturgical activities here and include it in your Visita Iglesia When In Pampanga.
- Betis Church, Guagua Pampanga
Image Credit: Rhonaramos – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
Betis Church, also known as St. James the Apostle Parish Church, is located in Guagua, Pampanga. It is well-known for its Baroque architectural design and has been designated as a National Cultural Treasure for its exemplary and replicable design.
Include it in your Visita Iglesia When In Pampanga, and check out the Betis Church’s schedule of masses and other liturgical activities here.
- San Agustin Church, Lubao Pampanga
Image Credit: JJ Carpio – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
This Neo-Classical Church was built in the 17th century and is located in Brgy. The church of San Nicolas I in Lubao, Pampanga, is made of Spanish stones and bricks and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property.
Include it in your Visita Iglesia for 2022, and check out the San Agustin Church’s schedule of masses and other liturgical activities here.
- Holy Rosary Parish Church, Angeles Pampanga
Image Credit: Carmelo Bayarcal – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
The former Santo Rosario Church, now known as Pisambang Maragul (Big Church) by the locals, stands in the heart of Culiat town. It was built in 1877 and has been designated as a National Historic Site by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
Include Holy Rosary Parish Church in your Visita Iglesia for 2022, and see their mass schedule here.
- Santa Catalina de Alejandria Church, Porac Pampanga
Image Credit: Ramon FVelasquez – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
This Baroque-styled church is located in Poblacion, Porac, Pampanga, and was built in 1872. It is currently part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Fernando’s Ecclesiastical Province. The rose window on its facade is the main focal point, with a stained-glass image of Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
Include it in your Visita Iglesia for 2022, and see the schedule of Santa Catalina de Alejandria Church’s masses here.
- Santa Rita de Cascia Parish Church, Santa Rita Pampanga
Ramon FVelasquez – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
Its faded Solid-brass facade with Baroque elements was built in 1839 and finished 29 years later, in 1868. The holy relic of flesh from St. Rita de Cascia is preserved in the church.
Check out the schedule of masses at Santa Rita de Cascia Parish Church for the holy week in your 2022 Visita Iglesia.
- Metropolitan Cathedral, San Fernando Pampanga
Image Credit: Brideworthy.com
This Neo-Classical church, formerly known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, was founded in 1754 and serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of San Fernando.
Include it in your Visita Iglesia for 2022, and see their schedule of Metropolitan Cathedral masses here.
Whatever situation arises, Filipinos remain true to their culture and traditions. We, Filipinos, find a way to stay true to our beliefs, even if we are only influenced to do so. This is what defines us as Filipinos. Allow this year’s Visita Iglesia to bring you the faith restoration you’ve been looking for, and don’t forget to follow the published guidelines when you go.
