SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – This province is ready for thousands of devotees visiting historical churches and pilgrimage sites during Visita Iglesia this Holy Week.
ORTEGA (FB)
“These religious sites are not only places for prayer and reflection but also cultural landmarks that represent our faith, history, and tradition,” said Julius Manabat, officer-in-charge of La Union Provincial Tourism Office.
"I warmly welcome all pilgrims and visitors to our beautiful province of La Union,” Gov. Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David said.
“As you explore La Union's historic churches, may you take this opportunity to reflect and pray while nourishing a deeper sense of appreciation for our local religious heritage,” she added.
There are 33 churches and chapels ready to welcome pilgrims and devotees.
One of them is the Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish, also known as Namacpacan Church in Luna. It is one of La Union’s three Marian churches and it houses the Shrine of the Miraculous Lady of Namacpacan, known to local devotees as Apo Baket (revered aged woman).
Apo Baket is believed to have performed miracles such as making a disabled woman walk, appearing in a dream of Pope Pius XII, and calling infidel families from the mountains.
The church has a healing well and declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2001.
Another Marian Church is the Holy Guardian Angel Parish which is the home of the miraculous image of Nuestra Señora del Mar Cautiva in Santo Tomas.
The sacred image of the Blessed Mother was brought to the parish church on July 19, 1845. Since then, countless miracles, conversions, healings, and safe childbirths have been attributed to her intercession.
The third Marian church is the Basilica Minore of our Lady of Charity in Agoo. The church was founded in 1578 by Franciscan Friars and was consecrated as a Marian Shrine on Dec. 8, 1978 by Sebastian Cardinal Baggio. It was elevated to the status of Basilica Minore by Pope John Paul II on July 15, 1982.
Other notable churches are the Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Bacnotan, Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Bauang, Saint William the Hermit Cathedral in the City of San Fernando, and Saint John the Baptist Parish in San Juan,
With the expected influx of visitors, the provincial government, component local government units, and law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine National Police are working together to ensure public safety and security.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our pilgrims and visitors. We are working closely with authorities to uphold the solemnity of this significant event,” Ortega said.