Visita Iglesia @ Lipa City

This is the first time that the kids will experience holy week in Lipa City, Batangas. I prepared an itinerary (for Maundy Thursdy) that is suitable for their age and at the same time they will get to understand the Love and Sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us.

After visiting the official website for Batangas under tourism (religious site), I decided that we will visit only 3 out of the 7 posted churches (due to distance from our house)  for our Visita Iglesia or church visit which is a tradition practiced back home in Bicol. I instructed the kids to have a power nap and briefed Chek that this is no ordinary family outing and there will be no side trip to his favorite fast food chain. After ensuring the kids baon, extra shirts, water, milk for Chey, biscuits, powder, cologne and hand sanitizer, we were ready to go.

The 3 churches:

1. Marian Orchard (Barangay Malabanan, Balete, Batangas):  A 5-hectare Catholic theme park conducive for prayers, meditation, friends or family bonding, with modest retreat house, Sacred Heart chapel, observation tower, picnic huts, shrines of different saints, meditation garden, Rosary garden, Koi ponds and fountains, etc.

First stop is the chapel.

 

Off to the Stations of the Cross. It's a downhill path. I actually expected the kids will rollover. They are too happy and free that it is super hard to restrain them.

On our way to the first station. It's a beautiful walkway surrounded by flowers, lamps and vines.

This is at the foot of Station 1. The kids are still hyper while we grown ups are sweating furiously!

Eleventh Station. Chek is already clutching his canteen. So thirsty and tired but no regrets.

Food kiosks are conveniently positioned after the last station. The benches are God's gift to our tired feet. So exhausted yet  still have big smile on our faces :) Shirt change also for the kiddos!

Enjoying the garden.

Last stop is the wishing fountain.

2. Lipa Cathedral of San Sebastian
Located in Lipa City, the parish church was constructed by the Augustinians in 1605 and was completed in the late 19th century.

3. Carmelite Convent of Lipa our Lady of Mediatrix
This convent of the contemplative order of our Lady of Mt Carmel was the site of a mysterious "Shrine of Petals" to a visionary.

 Both churches have on going mass, we did not get the chance to get inside. After saying a little prayer, we decided to go home.

The kids may not fully understand (now) the greatness of Jesus Christ but they have memories to treasure. In time for sure they will..