Commemorating Good Friday, "Bisita Iglesia"

The best thing in Holy Week is Holiday. Yes, for many it is (lets thank Judas because not for him, there might be no Holy week, thus no holiday at all) tahahaha. Just kidding...

Holy Week particularly the Good Friday is one of the anticipated religious holidays in catholic church. People commemorate the sufferings and resurrection of Jesus Christ just to redeem the world from sins. A time where most Filipinos take their form of penance to repent for their mistakes. Some does the reenactment of Christ's crucifixion, some refrains from customary activities such as partying, social drinking, eating meat, and others usually engage in prayer and fasting.

Bisita Iglesia, usually visiting seven churches and pray for the stations of the cross. A simple gesture how we value our true Christianity. 

Today, I want to share with you how we commemorate in our own little way the passion of Christ to redeem us from our sins. 

This what we had today:

Our First Stop: Sto. Rosario Parish, Toril, Davao City 

We have had our first and second stations

Second Stop: San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish, Talomo, Davao City is just few minutes away from our first church. We had our third and forth stations here.

Third Stop: Holy Spirit Adoration Convent in Seminary Road, Catalunan Grande, Davao City.  It is located near the highway, and one of the beautiful churches we visited. It is convent for pink sisters where you can write your prayer request in envelope same as pink sisters in Baguio City. Our fifth and sixth stations are here...

the views are nice which can't refrain me from doing this...  

 religious devotees doing their stations of the cross too.

Fourth Stop: Our Lady of Lourdes in Davao Central Park Subdivision, Bangkal, Davao City 
Had our seventh and eight stations of the cross.

Fifth Stop: Ascension of the Lord Parish Height, Matina, Davao City
Had our ninth and tenth stations of the cross.

Sixth Stop: San Pablo Parish, Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davao City 
Had our eleventh and twelfth stations of the cross here

Our Seventh and Final Church Destination: One of the most well known pilgrim sites in Davao City, the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus in Matina Hill, Davao City.  There are stations of the cross area along the road going on top of the hill where the shrine of infant jesus is situated. Vehicles are not allowed to enter during this season. Meaning you have to walk going to top of the hill... 

We had our thirteenth, and last stations of the cross including the closing at the shrine.

 Lots of people flocked here for this year's stations of the cross. 

Going on top of the hill is quite exhausting walking under the heat of glaring sun. Though thirst quenchers and foods are available on the road, we tried to at least realize our fasting...

 souvenirs, food and drinks and other stuff are available on the road going to the top.

 Of course, the travel isn't enough without the souvenirs available in souvenir shop inside the shrine. I bought mine, a blessed (accordingly) stainless rosary worth P 200.00  

 selfie din para completo ang lahat

 mainit talaga...

Thanks God. We have had our seven churches visit safe and sound. i never though that i will do this here in Davao. I never had this thing for my several decades of existence. 

Thank you Davao and of course, we wouldn't make it without the car of poging poging Joel Palma, the just bought Mitsubishi 1995 went on test drive for seven churches in Davao City. 

Truly, the experience is worth remembering.