A Lenten experience not to be missed

MANILA, Philippines - As the season of Lent approaches, the Philippines falls deep into prayer, fasting, meditation, renewal of faith and rituals such as blessing of the palms, singing and dramatization of the passion and death of Christ, Stations of the Cross, and Visita Iglesia.

Attribute this to the country’s 300 years of Spanish colonization, ingraining the Philippines with strong Catholic upbringing.

While some modern Lenten rites are more graphic, not to mention bloody, such as flagellation and real-life crucifixion, Filipino Catholics engage in various practices as an act of worship and gratitude and fulfillment of their panata or promise to God.

Two of the more popular and safer Filipino Lenten practices are Visita Iglesia and Way of the Cross. As such, people troop to as many churches as they could. Two of the churches most often visited are Our Lady of Piat Basilica and Lady of Manaoag.

The centuries-old Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Piat is a favorite Visita Iglesia destination in Cagayan Valley. Initially brought by the

Dominican friars in 1604, the image was first enshrined in the Lallo church before it was brought to Piat.

The shrine became a Basilica Minore in 1999, magnifying its richness and heritage. The image is said to have protected the people of Cagayan from various calamities and performed numerous miracles.

Every year, thousands of devotees, rich and poor, flock to Piat to pay homage. Come Lent, devotees are sure to travel north to see the beautiful fortress that serves as the home of the revered Our Lady of Piat.

Cagayan is also a favorite Lenten destination for its Calvary Hills, which depicts larger-than-life 14 Stations of the Cross.

The 11-hectare religious site teems with devotees every Holy Week to remember the passion of Christ.

Ancient brick churches in Cagayan Valley are also popular among pilgrims during the Holy Week.

There is a moving quality about the grandeur of old churches and Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan fits the description.

Another favorite church of Catholic Filipinos, the shrine dates back to 1605. The impressive Romanesque church holds the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of the sick, needy and helpless.

Have a worry-free feast of faith via Victory Liner, one of the best and most trusted bus companies in Luzon. Travel to Cagayan and Pangasinan on a standard bus for a simple, no-frills ride or a deluxe coach that comes with comfortable seats and on-board restroom.

For bus reservations or inquiries, call 921-3293 or log on to www.victoryliner.com.