The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will once again have an online Visita Iglesia this coming Thursday, April 21. Despite experiencing setbacks last year due to the site crashing because of an unexpected surge of visits numbering 43,000, the CBCP made better preparations this year by expanding its servers to accommodate a greater volume of visitors.

While online access to Lenten traditions may prove convenient for OFWs (the online feature was specifically created for Pinoys abroad) and non-OFWs alike, Filipinos based here in the Philippines are encouraged to go on a real Visita Iglesia.

Now on its 2nd year, the online Visita Iglesia includes features such as:
•    A showcase of 14 historical shrines and pilgrimage churches in Metro Manila as well as in nearby provinces
•    Multimedia presentation of the Visita Iglesia including the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Quiapo Church, Our Lady of Manaoag Church and the Agoo Church
•    Audio recording of 21 “Pasyon” chapters
•    Homilies by priests for the Lenten season
•    Catechesis on Lent, Holy Thursday, Palm Sunday as well as the Kissing of the Cross

Said CBCP media director Msgr. Pedro Quitorio, “It just shows that Filipinos, no matter where they go, will always be religious and the desire to celebrate the Holy Week is always there, too,”



SOURCES:
•    April 18, 2011. Jocelyn R. Uy. “Online Visita Iglesia draws more Catholics” Newsinfo.Inquirer.net
•    March 30, 2011. Elijah Mendoza. “CBCP launches first online ‘Visita Iglesia’” Techie.com.ph


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