The Visita Iglesia is a long-standing tradition among Catholics during the Holy Week.

This is when devotees visit churches, often seven or more, to pray and to reflect on the stations of the cross, which depict Jesus Christ’s journey to crucifixion.

“When we enter the church, we allow God to guide us, to direct our lives, and we intend to follow him,” said Rev. Fr. Nico Angelo Mendoza, formator at the Mary Help of Christians College Seminary.

Among those who have started visiting churches is Eddie Imbornal who visited the Anunciation of the Lord Parish in Barangay Bonuan Gueset in Dagupan City.

He visited the church as a Holy Week tradition and for thanksgiving for his 37th birthday.  But his prayer was not just for himself. He had asked God for good health for his eight-month-old child.

“Laging malakas siya at malayo sa sakit,” he told GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon.

But the faith must not end with one’s relationship with God. Rather, it must extend to one’s relationship with others, Mendoza said.

“Our relationship with God should also be reflected on how we treat other people,” Mendoza said.

With at least two days during the Holy Week marked as non-working holidays in the Philippines, Holy Thursday and Good Friday, the church believes the Holy Week is also a good opportunity for the faithful to check on family and friends - to observe what may be referred to as ‘Visita Familia’ and ‘Visita Amiga.’

After all, the passion of the Christ, Mendoza said, is about Jesus offering himself to his people because of his love for them.

“Ang pinakasentro ng pasyon ni Hesus at ang kanyang pagbibigay ng sarili dahil sa pagmamahal niya sa atin,” he said.