400 devotees head for Pangasinan to start Visita Iglesia tradition early

Some 400 devotees from Rizal province started their traditional Visita Iglesia early, heading for Pangasinan this week to fulfill their vows to visit churches.

Many of the devotees visited the Saint Vincent Parish Church in Bayambang town for the first Station of the Cross, GMA Dagupan reported Wednesday.

"Maganda naman yung mga view. Masaya," said devotee Yolanda Incenas.

For this year, the devotees hope to make the rounds of eight churches, including the newly elevated Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Manaoag Minor Basilica.

"Parang penitensya... Stations of the Cross," said devotee Lucy Riporac.

For its part, the Catholic Church reminded devotees to make their activities meaningful.

"Sana katulad ng ating Hesukristo na dumamay lalo na sa mahihirap, ito rin ang puhunan natin bilang pundasyon ng ating pananampalataya," said parish priest Willie Gulla. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News