With Holy Thursday and Good Friday just right around the corner, many Catholic Filipinos follow the tradition of Bisita Iglesia where they try to visit (bisita) at least seven churches (iglesia) on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Pilgrims believe that their prayers will be answered after visiting these churches.
The number seven represents the Seven Wounds of Christ, but some even double up the number to 14 to align with the 14 Stations of the Cross. Regardless of what number is chosen, there is no lack of places of worship in the DC-Maryland area that can easily make that list. Here are 7 that I have visited myself in the past which I highly recommend for a prayerful experience.
Starting in Washington, DC:
- Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception – America’s Catholic Church is the nation’s largest Roman Catholic Church in North America and one of the ten largest in the world. It houses multiple chapels devoted to the different titles that Mary holds. Filipino Catholics are represented by Our Lady of Antipolo, who is the Patron Saint of Good Voyage. Many Filipinos make it a point to pray in front of her image before embarking on a trip. Here’s a more in-depth look into the Shrine, but be prepared to spend hours if you want to visit each chapel.
- Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America – The Franciscans are the guardians of the Holy Land, as appointed 800 years ago by the Roman Catholic Church. Since it is not always convenient to visit the Holy Land, this monastery which houses the replica of all the important shrines during Jesus’ time allows visitors to reflect on and appreciate their faith. The “Little Jerusalem” in the heart of the DC swamp is a wonderful oasis for those who seek a more spiritual experience.
Moving on to Maryland:
3. Shrine of St. Alphonsus Liguori – One of the few churches that still hold masses in the Traditional Latin, the Shrine of St. Alphonsus Liguori is located in Baltimore. Though the exterior may not seem like much, the inside will draw out the oohs and aahs. The front altar is light and bright and filled with the holy images that many Catholics take comfort in. It has been considered one of the beautiful churches in America.
The shrine is a jewel of the East Coast, a place of extraordinary architectural beauty built in 1845 in the southern German Neo-Gothic style. It is…where that most illustrious Redemptorist, St. John Neumann, professed his religious vows, served as pastor and was consecrated bishop.
from the website of the Priestly Fraternity of St. peter (administrators of the Shrine)
4. Baltimore Basilica – Also known by its formal title of Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, it is but a few blocks away from the Shrine of St. Alphonsus Liguori. It is also known as America’s first Catholic Cathedral and last year, it celebrated its 200th Anniversary. Join the tour so you can get to know more of its history and art works on display.
5. Cathedral of Mary Our Queen – This is the seat of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Don’t be fooled by its imposing façade. As you enter, you are greeted by a multitude of colors from the stained glass windows–each with a story to tell. Make sure to join a tour to fully appreciate these colorful glass scenes. Just like the Tardis, there’s a lot going on inside than it looks on the outside.
6. St. Anthony’s Shrine – Heads west towards Ellicott City where you will find spacious grounds and mini-trails at St. Anthony’s Shrine. They bring the community together with their All Saints’ Day and Easter Egg Hunt events that are perfect for families. For a more religious experience, the Shrine houses a major relic of St. Anthony of Padua, Lourdes grotto, and a Shrine to St. Maximilian Kolbe.
7. National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton – Head up northwest to hit two birds with one stone. Within a stone’s throw away, the Grotto and the Shrine sits on the mountain town of Emmitsburg. The former is one of the oldest replicas of the grotto in the whole world. As you make your way to the grotto, you can say the rosary as you stop at each decade marker along the path. The Seton Shrine houses the remains of America’s first native born saint. Widowed at a young age, this did not stop her from continuing to do the good she was called to do. Take a tour through the museum (free) and the numerous houses that dot the grounds (self-guided or with a guide). Take part in Living History on Fridays and Saturdays for a more hands-on experience for the little ones, and spend some time in prayer at the Basilica.
No matter which route you take or which shrine you visit, Lent is a time for reflection of our humanity and in our shared destiny of eternal life in God’s kingdom. We are all on this earthly journey, stumbling along the way, as we try to stay on this path of righteousness. Visiting these places of worship helps us be inspired as we draw strength from the stories of saints and be in awe of Christ’s love for us. I hope you find your inspiration and may you have a blessed Lenten season and a joyous Easter celebration.
The Mama Travels 
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