Introduced by Augustinian missionaries in the 1560s, the “Visita Iglesia,” or Seven Churches Visitation, has evolved from a 16th-century Roman practice into one of the most defining expressions of Philippine Catholic faith. But this Holy Week, the centuries-old tradition is being tested by modern crises: a national energy emergency and punishing summer heat.
The devotion traces its roots to Rome, where St. Philip Neri organized a pilgrimage to seven basilicas as a solemn, spiritual alternative to the raucous secular celebrations of the Roman Carnival. Upon reaching the Philippines, the ritual was deeply integrated with the indigenous concept of “panata,” or a sacred vow. Millions of Filipino Catholics view the exhausting journey to seven or 14 churches as a reciprocal sacrifice—enduring physical fatigue to share in the suffering of Jesus Christ in exchange for answered prayers.
This Philippine adaptation stands in stark contrast to global observances. In Poland, the visitation is maintained as a highly introspective, silent vigil focusing on stripped altars. In Spain and Latin America, Holy Week is defined by massive theatrical Passion plays and elaborate street processions. The modern Filipino devotion uniquely synthesizes physical penance with social cohesion, often taking the form of extended family road trips that traditionally conclude with a communal Lenten meal.
However, these traditional family road trips have hit a major economic roadblock. On March 24, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a yearlong state of national energy emergency driven by conflicts in the Middle East. The crisis has tightened oil supply and pushed diesel prices to as high as P131.90 per liter in parts of Metro Manila.
The surge in transport costs has been compounded by severe weather. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of hot and humid conditions across the country due to warm easterlies, with temperatures reaching up to 32°C in Metro Manila and 34°C in other parts of Luzon.
The Catholic Church has acknowledged the burden on the faithful. Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs, said the Church understands the hesitation of Filipinos during these times.
“We are worried that Filipinos are really affected by the rising prices of oil,” Secillano said over radio DZBB, noting that it is understandable for people to save money rather than travel amid the crisis.
To help devotees fulfill their “panata” without the financial and physical strain, the Church is promoting digital alternatives. Through the FaithWatch mobile app and various diocesan platforms, Filipinos can access 360-degree virtual tours of churches, listen to prayers, and observe the Stations of the Cross from home.
As Filipinos navigate soaring fuel prices and extreme heat, the 2026 Lenten season shows that while the “panata” remains steadfast, the ways of fulfilling it continue to evolve.