Footprints: Bulacan and “Visita Iglesia” Featured Pilgrimage -14 Oldest Churches

“Visita Iglesia” (Visiting Churches) is one of the most practiced traditions among faithful Filipino Roman Catholics during the observance of Lent.  Some may ask, why is it part of the holy week’s observances?  Let me give you a short version of the reason.

“Visita Iglesia is a Biblical recount of Jesus Christ’s suffering.  It was when Jesus was most sorrowful and praying in the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus asked His apostles Peter,  James and John to keep him company and perform the vigil, to which they agreed.  The apostles fell asleep several times, and Judas Iscariot betrayed his master with a kiss. This is considered the beginning of the Lord's passion. 

The essence of Visita Iglesia is the meditation of the mysteries of the Holy Rosary. It is also the “Via Crucis” (Stations of the Cross), on Christ’s way to Calvary.  The original custom was for the followers to pray two stations per church visited, however, faithfuls have expanded the number of churches to be visited to fourteen making one Via Crucis per church.

Bulacan, the gatehouse of the north, has many of the oldest churches in the country. It provides a great opportunity and experience for many pilgrims who make great efforts and spend significant amounts of money to perform the annual tradition.  

 Bulacan is also known as the cradle of the nation’s noble heroes, and home of it’s greatest artists. It’s citizens take great pride in this rich religious and historical heritage. It is also a mecca of sweets, desserts and rice delicacies.  Last but certainly not least, Bulacan is the birthplace of the First Constitutional Democracy in Asia.  

My recent visit to the Philippines in 2011 coincided with the observance of the holy week. I enthusiastically encouraged my family to celebrate “Visita Iglesia” respecting 14 of the oldest churches in our home province. We completed our Visita Iglesia between Palm Sunday and Good Friday by visiting the 14 churches described below.  

The heat exhaustion, typical for that time of year,  was overcome by our amazement with the architectural designs of the churches . We were delighted to have carried out the "Visita Iglesia” in such a nostalgic, historic and meaningful way.  Our rendition of the practice might not be traditional, but the spiritual journey was very rewarding. We felt enriched both spiritually and historically.

In your next visit to your hometown in whatever part of the Philippines it may be, I encourage you to experience “Vista Iglesia” among the historic churches in your home town. I am certain that you will be very surprised at what you will discover.

 But for now, allow me to take you to the 14 oldest houses of prayer in Bulacan.

1. San Juan Bautista Parish Church (Calumpit). Nestled in the oldest town to have been Christianized in the province, the citizens of Calumpit built their church in 1575. The most notable among the designs are the elaborate stucco carvings on the main and side portals. The simple facade is highlighted with Corinthian columns.

1. Assumption of Our Lady Church (Bulacan). It was originally built in 1578 and then transformed in 1884. This is one of the most elaborately designed churches incorporating a blend of Baroque, Neo-Byzantine and Muslim influences. 

1. Basilica Minore de Immaculada Concepcion ( Malolos).  Located at the heart of this city capital, the church was originally built in 1591.The facade is divided into three segments.  The centre segment features the emblem of the Augustinians and the papal insignia. Besides being the seat of the first Philippine Republic, there is also the century old “Kalayaan” Tree, planted by Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippines.

1. San Ildefonso Parish Church (Guiginto). Built in 1621 together with a convent on it’s west side, it employs a similar Baroque style as is found in the Baliuag Church, but on a simpler and smaller scale. The most celebrated parts of the church are the intricate carvings found at the front and in the altar, made from bronze and silver. 

1. Parish Church of Sta Monica (Angat). It’s interior wall is a replica of the Sistine Chapel by MichelAngelo. This church was built around 1683 and is one of the most beautiful churches in the country, boasting marvelous Baroque architecture. The simple facade is embellished with an eye catching carving on the main doors which hold the images of St Augustine and his crying mother, St. Monica.

1. Parish of Santiago Apostol (Plaridel). Also known as Quingua, it was originally built between 1580 and1595, then rebuilt in 1722. It has the most unique and elaborate pediments among all the churches in the province. It is believed that in this church, money was kept by Augustinian friars during the British occupation.

1. Parish Church of San Agustin- (Baliuag). Constructed between 1769 and 1774, it also has a Baroque face and interior. The most striking feature is it’s bell tower. The latest addition of a portico completed the style. 

1. San Miguel De Arcangel Church (San Miguel). Nestled in the very famous town of San Miguel De Mayumo, it’s simplicity of design makes this mid 1800’s built church very attractive. It is the only church with an integrated belfry.

1. National Shrine of St. Anne (Hagonoy). A 16th century church with the most recognizable spacious plaza, it is the only church in the Philippines where The Virgin Mary’s parents, St Anne and Jhoaquim are venerated.

1. San Juan de Dios Parish Church (San Rafael). Site a the historic battle during the Spanish colonization and built circa 1863. Although the facade is simple, the Doric columns make quite an impression.

1. San Miguel Arcangel (Marilao). Built in 1863, the church features an elegant facade, decorative columns and a slightly recessed bell tower.

1. Sta. Isabel Church (Malolos). Its facade is similar to those found in Bulacan  churches, except it adds Muslim embellishments. This church was built in 1865 and was integrated into Malolos in 1903.

1. The Barasoain Church (Malolos). This national shrine is also the site of the Constitutional Convention of the Philippine Republic.The neo-classic touches of the facade and the rounded pediment gives a very distinct character to it’s architecture. The initial stone edifice was built in 1871, the church was constructed 1885, while the bell tower was done in 1889.

1. San Pascual Baylon/Sta. Clara Church-(Obando). The annual fertility rites is a tradition in which this church takes much pride. The pediment and facade are a simple echoing of the Marilao Church.  The most noticeable character is the octagonal 5-level bell tower.