Camille Naredo

Filipino devotees attend the Christmas Vigil Mass at Quiapo Church in Manila on December 24, 2025.

Filipino devotees attend the Christmas Vigil Mass at Quiapo Church in Manila on December 24, 2025. The ‘Panunuluyan,’ which dramatizes Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging, serves as the 'main event' that transitions the congregation into the Misa de Gallo." Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

CHRISTMAS 2025- MASS

Jessie Cruzat

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Catholic faithful flocked to various churches across Manila on Holy Monday, marking the start of observance of Holy Week traditions.Many devotees began their day early to observe Visita Iglesia, a long-standing practice of visiting multiple churches for prayer and reflection.For couple JC and Ayie Diaz, who traveled from Bulacan, the tradition has become an annual expression of faith and gratitude.This year, the Quiapo Church was their first stop.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/29/thousands-fill-quiapo-church-for-palm-sunday-1147">READ: Thousands fill Quiapo Church for Palm Sunday</a></div>“Very important ito for the family, sa amin, gabay ni Lord,” said JC.“‘Yong 6 po dahil pupunta kaming Zambales kung saan po kami madaan na simbahan doon po namin kukumpletuhin,” Ayie added.At a young age, the couple’s children are already embracing the Holy Week tradition.“Masaya po ako kasi po kasama ko sina mommy and daddy po sa pagsimba and kompleto rin po kami kaya masaya rin po ako,” their daughter Ellie said.Another couple, Imelda and Ernesto Concepcion, also took advantage of the lighter crowds earlier in the day.After attending a medical check-up, they proceeded directly to Quiapo Church to offer prayers.“Matanda na, hindi ko na kayang makipagsiksikan,” said Ernesto.“Panata na naming manatiling maayos ang aming mga anak, pamilya at bigyan kami ng malakas na katawan… Awa ng Diyos, maayos ang buhay ng anak namin,” Imelda added.Meanwhile, the traditional Pabasa or the continuous chanting of the Passion of Christ has already begun at Quiapo Church and is expected to last for  24 hours.According to Bro. JP Mendoza, head of the Formation and Pilgrims Ministry, the practice dates back centuries.“Originally po ginawa po ang pabasang ito noong 1703 bilang way of catechism or pagtuturo po ng buhay, kamatayan, at muling pagkabuhay ni Jesucristo na dinadaan po sa pag-awit ng mga titik,” he explained.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2026/3/30/mmda-to-lift-number-coding-ease-edsa-bus-restrictions-on-holy-week-1535">READ: MMDA to lift number coding, ease EDSA bus restrictions on Holy Week</a></div>Meanwhile, at the San Agustin Church, camareros or families entrusted with caring for religious images were already busy preparing their karosas for upcoming processions.Perla Aquino, a camarero for over a decade, said their devotion brings blessings to their family.“In return naman sa amin, parang magandang blessings din e. Maraming trabaho na pumapasok. Sa health, kahit sobrang busy, sobrang pagod kami hindi kami nagkakasakit talaga,” she said.The Manila Police District expects even larger crowds in the coming days and raised its alert level to full status.“Ibig sabihin po nito, ‘yong ating mga personnel ay available. Wala tayong mga rest day at ‘yong mobility resources, available lahat ‘yan,” said Police Major Philipp Ines, spokesperson of the Manila Police District.Authorities also reminded those observing Visita Iglesia to avoid wearing expensive items or jewelry to prevent theft and ensure a safe and solemn observance of Holy Week.

Catholic faithful flocked to various churches across Manila on Holy Monday, marking the start of observance of Holy Week traditions.

Catholic faithful flocked to various churches across Manila on Holy Monday, marking the start of observance of Holy Week traditions.

Catholics flock to Manila churches on Holy Monday for Visita Iglesia; MPD now on full alert

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Catholics flock to Manila churches on Holy Monday for Visita Iglesia; MPD now on full alert

Jessie Cruzat,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 30, 2026 10:24 PM PHT

Read More:

Holy Monday

Holy Week

Manila

Visita Iglesia

Pabasa

Quiapo

MPD

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