Maundy Thursday, Stations of the Cross/Visita Iglesia…

Unlike the previous years when we used to visit seven churches for the traditional Visita Iglesia, our family planned to visit only one church this time. In last Sunday’s homily (Palm Sunday mass), the priest talked about the real meaning of Visita Iglesia. He explained that while most Filipino Catholic Faithful believe that seven churches are needed to carry out the Visita Iglesia, this belief is actually far from the truth. He said that one may choose to visit one church only and still fulfill the Visita Iglesia obligation. He explained further that the real essence of Visita Iglesia lies in our willingness to accompany Jesus in his moment of agony.

Anyway, we chose the St. Pio Chapel in Libis for two reasons: For family members to see the chapel for the first time and most importantly, to thank Padre Pio for his miraculous intercession for dad’s recovery from triple bypass and mild stroke. In this trying time, we asked for his intercession. We strongly believe that he was instrumental to dad’s gradual but sure recovery. We praise God for giving Padre Pio to us. Through his intercession, God heard and continues to hear our prayers. It was my second visit to the chapel but I was even more excited than my first visit.

My excitement did not falter. St. Pio Chapel had a unique way of doing the “Stations of the Cross”. When we came at around 6:00PM, the chapel was already jam-packed from outside. Many people were lining up for the Stations of the Cross. I thought it was very organized to have people lined up and take turns to avoid disorder inside the chapel.

Then, I learned that the line was actually headed to the chapel’s parking lot where the Stations of the Cross were strategically positioned. People from the chapel manned the entrance. Clothes (covering) were made available for those who were wearing shorts and sleeveless (Note: The chapel always reminds the faithful to wear the proper dress code inside the chapel).

Crosses of different sizes were also offered to give the faithful the chance to carry their own cross (while doing the Stations of the Cross) as a symbol of sacrifice the way Jesus did.

The place as well as this act of carrying the cross gave me goosebumps. I loved the solemnity of the place and the ritual. I guess everybody did. It was indeed a different kind of experience for all of us, very uplifting.

After completing the 15 stations (Yes, there were 15 stations there. It included, “Christ has Risen” as the 15th and the last station), we went inside the chapel to give reverence to Padre Pio. Then, we headed to Eastwood City for dinner. It was truly a meaningful and blissful Maundy Thursday for the family. We were in high spirits.


How about you? How was your Maundy Thursday/Visita Iglesia experience this year? ♥♥♥