San Ildefonso de Toledo Parish: Tanay Rizal

Third Stop: San Ildefonso de Toledo Parish, Tanay, Rizal
5th and 6th Station

Located in the heart of Tanay, Rizal along MH Del Pilar Street. It is a 405-year-old church. Just imagine how old this church is. Most likely it witnessed a lot of historical events. It was named after Archbishop Ildefonso of Toledo, Spain. 

TRIVIA: The Church of Tanay was initially built as an independent parish in 1605 and later on transferred to San Antonio which the roof was made of cogon grass and wood. The present church was completed in 1783. 

The Altar.

Taking one shot!

I like this church specially the altar area. I could not resist to take a shot inside the church. Haha! Well I am done with my prayers after I took the shot so nothing to worry. How I wish that this church will stand strong in the many years to come.  

Church of Tanay

The ecclesiastical administration of Tanay belonged to Pililia up to 1606 when the first church was built. The town moved to San Antonio in 1620 but was transferred to this site in 1640. The present church was completed in 1783.

The Belfry.

St. Mary Magdalene Parish: Pililia, Rizal

Second Stop: St. Mary Magdalene Parish, Pililia, Rizal

3rd and 4th Station

After spending time with more or less than 2 hours in Regina RICA, we headed to St. Mary Magdalene Parish which is also known as Parokya ni Santa Maria Magdalena. It is located in Brgy. Imatong in the town of Pililia, Rizal. 

TRIVIA: Franciscan priests ordered the construction of the church in 1583 under the patronage of St. Mary Magdalene using cogon and nipa. In 1599, the town of Pililia, received an authorization to construct a church of stone. Between 1670-1673 the new church was completed. Like most churches of Laguna, Pililia's is made of adobe. The church is simple and severe in design. The church remain dear to devoted Catholics in this town which is about 70% of its population. 

taken from the entrance of the church

The Altar

What I loved about this church is that there is a huge display of statues behind the church. You can actually take as many photos you want once you are done with your prayers. Take a look at the shots I've got. I should have taken more if I did not spend couple of minutes in the meditation area. 

Outside the church was also a great view. Huge parking area for pilgrims wherein it can accommodate more than 10 buses. I as well like how they preserve the arc going inside the parish. I also noticed that some vendors are allowed inside the vicinity. I remember having a cup of scrambled ice cream! Yummy!

The Formation Center

Arc going inside the Parish.

Regina RICA Sanctuary: Tanay, Rizal

Holiday! It is Araw ng Kagitingan, Wednesday, 9 April 2014, instead of visiting Dambana ng Kagitingan in Bataan, I attended a pilgrimage on the province of Rizal. During Lenten Season it has been my tradition to do the Stations of the Cross (Via Crucis) for Visita Iglesia. Aside from hitting the beach, this is one of my favorite things to do during summer season. 

Visita Iglesia literally translates "church visit" in Spanish, means to explore churches with prayers, meditation and full acknowledgement of Jesus sufferings. It is a Holy Week tradition of Roman origin which is practiced by Filipino Christians during Lenten Season by visiting at least seven churches. 

First Stop: Regina RICA, Tanay Rizal

1st and 2nd Station

Regina RICA (Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia) is a home to the 71 feet tall statue of the Regina Rosarii (Queen of the Holy Rosary) also known as the "Our Lady on Top of the Hill". It was masterfully sculpted by Jose Barcena Jr. on October 2009 and was blessed on March 19, 2010. 

The 13.5 hectares of land was being managed by the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii. It is blessed with waterfalls, organic gardens, a creek, endless view of blue skies, gorgeous flowers and greenery and rolling hills. If you visit the place during summer, make sure you bring with you your umbrella. 

Map of Regina RICA

Pilgrims Orientation Area

The church is located most likely at the center of the sanctuary overlooking the total land area. It is where we did our 1st and 2nd Station of the Cross. A great place for prayers and meditation. 

The Church!

Contemplata Aliis Tradere

Once you reach the topmost area, wherein the statue of Regina Rosarii is situated, you can also visit the labyrinth. I did some few steps but because it was too hot I was not able to reach the center. Also, do not forget to visit the adoration area on the bottom part of the statue, make sure you do not wear shorts and you need to remove your slippers before hitting to the area. They are very strict on the dress code after all they consider that area the most holy place on the sanctuary. 

Notice, Observe, Wait

The view on top of the hill is breath taking. You can view the Cordilleras Ranges. There were still some projects that is on-going. Most likely in the years to come, those project will be finished to accommodate more pilgrims. It is such a great place for retreats and healing.

On-going Project