Visita Iglesia Guide for Aklan

St. Isidore Labrador, Lezo

Visita Iglesia (church visit) is one of the traditional Catholic Lenten rituals that is widely practiced in the Philippines. Devotees may choose to visit 7 or 14 churches on Maundy Thursday after the Mass of the Last Supper or on Good Friday. Visiting 7 churches is symbolic of the 7 Last Words of Jesus. Fourteen churches represent the Via Crucis which consists of 14 Stations tracing the journey of Jesus Christ to Calvary. While visiting these churches, devotees pray and reflect on the sacrifice of Christ. Follow this link for the prayers recited at each station of the cross: https://www.catholic.org/prayers/station.php

Holy Child Parish Church, Makato

Most of the altars are covered in purple cloak during Lent to express repentance and penance.

Stained glass windows like this one adorn the windows in Makato.

St. Joseph the Worker, Numancia

St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Kalibo

Nazareno at St. John the Baptist

This “paso” of the Nazareno will take part during the Good Friday procession. A paso is a float usually decorated with flowers and used in religious processions like the Lenten Good Friday procession. Sometimes it is carried on the backs of several men.

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, New Washington

Adornment on door of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary

St. Joseph the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Banga

St. Joseph, Banga

St. Raphael Parish Church, Balete

The best way to do the Visita Iglesia in Aklan is by car as these churches are spread out throughout the province. if you can’t rent a car, then hire a tricycle to take you. Allow half a day to leisurely make this peregrination.

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