It's Holy Week again and in the liturgical calendar of the Church we celebrate in a whole year the life and mystery of Jesus Christ. One of the fondest devotions among Filipinos is the Visita Iglesia where one is promised a plenary indulgence if one would visit seven churches on holy week and pray for the intention of the Pope. One who intends to do this must be in a state of grace in order to receive the plenary indulgence.
To those who are fond doing visita iglesia, and if you are somewhere near, don't miss to see the Church of Daraga in Albay. Built by the Franciscan Missionaries in the 16th Century and today stands as a living witness to the faith of a people despite disaster are able to survive.
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| Daraga Church atop on a Hill overlooking the entire City. |
The Church is set up on a hill overlooking the city of Legazpi and the entire environs of Daraga, Albay. The municipality of Daraga borders the hilly portions of the Albay and Sorsogon provinces while on the east are the valleys and coasts facing the Albay Gulf and Pacific ocean. Strategically the church was built on top of a hill as a precaution against volcanic eruption and mud flows. The sad experience of the old church of Cagsawa on the plain has taught the succeeding builders to relocate the church on top of the hill. The location is also symbolic in a way because it portrays the missionary role of the church to evangelize the native people and to show everyone the light of Christ. On top of a hill she (the church) proclaims the message of salvation. Inviting everyone to embrace her faith in the Son of God.
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| The facade of the Daraga Church |
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| Majestically nestled on top of a hill with Mt. Mayon Volcano on the Background |
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| The Convent, colonial style of architecture |
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| Historical Marker |
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| The Image of our Lady of the Gate |
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