Visita Iglesia or church visit is a Catholic tradition in the Philippines in which the christians are going to visit seven churches on Maundy Thursday to pray and reflect on the coming suffering of Jesus Christ. But now, you can still fulfill the Holy Week obligations without visiting the churches especially if you’re sick or ill, working and living outside the country. How is that possible?

It is now possible through the aid of computer and the worldwide web. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) set up a website www.cbcponline.net. It features the facades and interiors of seven Metro Manila churches such as Manila Cathedral, San Agustin church, Quiapo Church, San Lorenzo Ruiz Church, Tondo Church Malate Church and Baclaran church.

With just a click, a believer enters the first church, is led to the stations of the cross and shown prayers to be read at each station. There is also an audio file of prayers and songs that can be played by pressing a button. Then it’s on to the next church. The portal will also feature the Siete Palabras (The Seven Last Words). (more…)