Each Holy Week, Filipino Catholics and many faithful around the world participate in a beautiful tradition known as Visita Iglesia—the prayerful visitation of seven churches to accompany Jesus in His Passion. More than just a pilgrimage, it is a devotional journey of love, prayer, and presence, where we unite ourselves with Christ during His final hours on earth.
This Visita Iglesia Prayer Guide invites you not only to physically walk from one church to another, but to spiritually walk with Jesus from the Upper Room to His arrest and condemnation. In this sacred tradition—especially meaningful during these years of the National Eucharistic Revival (2022–2024)—we are drawn deeper into the mystery of the Eucharist, the power of prayer, and the depth of Christ’s love for us.
✨ How to Begin Your Visita Iglesia
Start your pilgrimage with a moment of silence and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in the first church. Here you pray the Invitation to Prayer and the Opening Prayer as you offer your journey to the Lord.
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation to Prayer
“As I kneel before you, Lord Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament,
endow me with your grace and guide me as I make my pilgrimage.
May my presence today signify my desire to accompany you
and meditate on your ultimate sacrifice for our salvation.”
Opening Prayer
“Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for the gift of the Eucharist.
I come before you in this time of reflection, to be with you in your agony,
and to follow you in love. Strengthen me with your grace
so that I may walk with you faithfully until the end. Amen.”
🕊️ The Seven Churches: Scripture, Reflection, and Prayer
Each stop in your pilgrimage includes a Gospel reading and a reflection. Here are the themes and a short summary of each:
1st Church: The Institution of the Eucharist
📖 Matthew 26:26-30
“Take and eat, this is My Body.”
Reflection: In the Eucharist, Jesus gives us His very self—Body and Blood—as the food that nourishes our souls. Every time we receive Him, we are called to be transformed.
2nd Church: The Washing of the Disciples’ Feet
📖 John 13:4-15
“I have given you a model to follow.”
Reflection: Jesus, the Master, humbles Himself to wash His disciples' feet, calling us to do the same. We are invited to serve one another with joy and humility.
3rd Church: Jesus’ Priestly Prayer
📖 John 17:1-21
“I consecrate Myself for them.”
Reflection: Jesus prays not just for His disciples, but for all of us. He offers Himself so that we may be consecrated in truth and remain united in His love.
4th Church: The Agony in the Garden
📖 Luke 22:39-46
“Pray that you may not undergo the test.”
Reflection: In deep anguish, Jesus turns to the Father. He teaches us to pray in moments of struggle and to surrender to God's will.
5th Church: The Call to Keep Watch
📖 Matthew 26:38-45
“Remain here and keep watch with me.”
Reflection: Jesus asks us to stay awake and pray with Him. In a busy world, He gently reminds us to make time for Him—to be present, even for just one hour.
6th Church: Jesus is Betrayed and Abandoned
📖 Mark 14:44-50
“They all left Him and fled.”
Reflection: Even when others failed Him, Jesus remained faithful. Let us renew our loyalty to Christ and be courageous witnesses of the Gospel.
7th Church: Jesus Affirms His Identity
📖 Mark 14:60-64
“Are you the Messiah?” … “I am.”
Reflection: Jesus boldly speaks the truth, even when it leads to suffering. He is our example of faithfulness and strength in the face of persecution.
🙏 Final Prayer at the Seventh Church
The Divine Praises
Blessed be God. Blessed be His Holy Name…
(Full text of the Divine Praises may be recited here.)
Closing Prayer
“Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me…
At the hour of my death, call me, and bid me come to you. Amen.”
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
🌿 A Time to Be With Jesus
As we walk through these sacred spaces and reflect on the Passion of the Lord, may our hearts be renewed in faith, hope, and love. Visita Iglesia is not just a tradition—it is a sacred encounter with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. In every step, in every prayer, we are reminded that we are never alone—He is always with us.
Let this Visita Iglesia Prayer Guide be your companion as you make your way through these holy visits. May it deepen your devotion and bring you closer to the heart of Jesus.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD VISITA IGLESIA PRAYER GUIDE PDF FORMAT
📍 Looking for participating parishes? Visit: www.dsj.org/visitation
📲 Follow @diocesesanjose on social media for updates and reflections.