Rediscover one of the Filipino faithful’s most popular and long-standing traditions in “Visita Iglesia”, Jesuit Communications’ (JesCom) Holy Week Special for 2023.
Airing this Holy Wednesday, April 5 at 1pm, only on CNN Philippines, “Visita Iglesia” takes viewers on a virtual pilgrimage to seven Philippine churches that are steeped in historical significance, cultural heritage, and architectural value.
Beginning up north in Iglesia de San Agustin, then down south to the Minor Basilica of St. Martin de Tours, followed by stops at San Guillermo Parish Church, International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, Minor Basilica and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, “Visita Iglesia” concludes in the heart of Metro Manila at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation and Cincture and Archdiocesan Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA.
At each destination, the documentary looks at the church’s history, unique structural features, and collection of liturgical artifacts, as well as highlights the different stories of divine intervention that have been passed down to generations of parishioners and devotees.
Beyond just the physical structure or historical landmark, “Visita Iglesia” also delves into the Church’s significance according to the Filipino psyche and experience—as a sambahan (place of worship), dambana (shrine), kanlungan (sanctuary), and most of all, tahanan (home). Audiences can learn why Filipinos are drawn to the church during times of celebration and even through periods of suffering such as war, calamities, and social unrest.
Featuring interviews from distinguished resource speakers headlined by Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, “Visita Iglesia” seeks to provide answers behind the enduring popularity of the Maundy Thursday tradition and the deeper values that can be learned from this beloved practice.
A staple of its annual Lenten programming, “Visita Iglesia” is JesCom’s 18th Holy Week TV special. The media arm of the Society of Jesus’ Philippine Province has won the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) ‘Best TV Special’ award a total of five times, including “Habilin: Ang Pitong Huling Wika ni Hesus” (2008), “Kwento ng mga Peregrino” (2009), “Ang Aming Mga Sala” (2010), 2021’s “Fiesta: Ang Makulay na Pananampalatayang Pilipino”, last year’s “Gabay sa Pagiging Santo”.
“Visita Iglesia”, JesCom’s 2023 Holy Week Special airs this Holy Wednesday, April 5 at 1pm on CNN Philippines. Replays are available on April 6, Holy Thursday (8pm, only on cable), and April 8, Black Saturday (12 noon).
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