Maundy Thursday evening, a couple of years ago, when Nidz and I decided to make the traditional Visita Iglesia right after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper in Gagalangin. We saw groups of people, mostly youngsters, walking from one church to another. We opted to take the public ride instead.

First stop, actually second if you’ll count St Joseph Church, was San Roque de Manila in Rizal Avenue. After saying some prayers before the Blessed Sacrament at the altar of repose, we went to do the station of the cross, at least one station per church that we will be visiting.

Next stop was the massive Espiritu Santo Church, also on the same road. This is one thing we miss here in Europe, churches can be located on the same thoroughfare! This was followed by visits at churches/chapels in Sta Cruz, Quiapo, Holy Face (Hidalgo Street), San Sebastian, San Beda, St Jude (Malacañan),and the so called “twin churches” of Our Lady of Loreto and St Anthony in Sampaloc.

People were everywhere as though the night will never die. We met friends, neighbours, and colleagues. Almost every able bodied Catholic was on the streets – some even walk barefoot - touring churches most of which they have never have been before.

Visita Iglesia which literally means “church visit” has been a form of devotion we hold dear like the Simbang Gabi. Visits range from a few to 14 churches (like the 14 Stations of the Cross). Some do it for penance; others in thanksgiving for a favour granted; still others do it for tradition’s sake. No matter how or why people do it, what is important is who we really visit. It’s not the church that we actually want to see although it can be worthwhile to have a look at how the altar of repose is decorated or how things are done in that place that may be different from how our parish operates. It’s who lives there that we must be the reason of our visit. You don’t go to your fiancé‘s house to see how colourful the wallpaper is or how big the swimming pool is. You came primarily to see her!

That’s why some priests are piqued to see a whole lot of people coming to church on Maundy Thursday night, while Mass is being held or during the Vigil before the Blessed Sacrament, to make the Stations of the Cross. It’s like sending a text message to a loved one sitting next to us!

As we trod the roads of Metro Manila this Maundy Thursday, let us remember that it is Jesus – present in the altar of repose – whom we must visit in the line up of churches we plan to see. He makes Himself present in that altar. Let’s devote more time talking with Him, thanking Him for the gift of His body and blood, and asking Him to give us strength that we may continue our Visita Iglesia in the years to come.

The number of churches doesn’t matter; it’s the quality time we give to our Lord that really counts! Come, let us worship Him!