Seven Catholic Churches in Marikina You Can Visit Online For Your Virtual Visita Iglesia

In the Philippines, Visita Iglesia is observed every Maundy Thursday or Good Friday where Catholics visit at least seven churches and recite the Stations of the Cross.

Unfortunately, with quarantine, curfews, and social distancing measures in effect due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, both parishes and devotees are faced with the challenge of observing this tradition.

Luckily, parishes have embraced technology as a means to reach out to the community. 

*(virtual mass at Our Lady of The Abandoned Church via Facebook)

Thanks to social media platforms, churches have adapted to what is part of the new norm and provide parish updates, scripture readings, and inspirational messages on their official Facebook pages. Some parishes also offer masses virtually via livestream. For those who wish to continue the tradition, a virtual Visita Iglesia is possible regardless of location.

For those who live outside Marikina City, including Overseas Filipino Workers and residents outside the Philippines, this is a perfect chance to hear mass online and revisit their previous parishes when they used to live in Marikina City.

Here are seven Catholic churches in Marikina City that you can visit for your virtual Visita Iglesia.

1. St Paul of the Cross (SSS Village)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spcpmarikina/

2. Immaculate Concepcion Church (Bayan-bayanan Ave.Concepcion Uno)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icp.marikina

3. Our Lady of The Abandoned Church (J. P. Rizal St. corner V. Gomez St., Sta. Elena)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OLAMarikinaOfficial

4. Jesus dela Pena (Bonifacio Avenue, Jesus Dela Peña)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jcpp.jdlp

5. San Jose Manggagawa Parish (2 A. Bonifacio Ave, Marikina City)

https://www.facebook.com/SJMPBarangka/

6. Nativity of Our Lady Parish (Major Dizon Street, Industrial Valley Complex)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nolp.marikina

7. St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish (East Dr, Marikina City)
https://www.facebook.com/SGOLSPMarikina/

Check each official Facebook page for schedules, livestreams, and reflection during this Holy Week.

Share this with friends and family who may find this list useful. 

Have a blessed and meaningful Holy Week.

(*screenshots from respective Facebook pages)

OLOPSC Offers Remote Learning Through Online Classes

In 2020, the pandemic hit at the time where the majority of academic institutions in the Philippines were already on the last couple of weeks of classes for the school year. Unfortunately, classes were cut short because of strict lockdown and quarantine measures within Marikina City and extending throughout the country.

To adapt to the situation, Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College (OLOPSC) set up and implemented a remote learning program called OLOPSC Home-Based School or HoBS, a new program that allows students to continue their education through a modified hybrid teaching and learning system.

Initially, HoBS was thought of simply as a solution to the "New Normal" in order for OLOPSC to continue providing service to its students and their parents. As the pandemic prolonged though, the Philippine education scene remained unpredictable.

OLOPSC realized that HoBS was not just a temporary solution but also an essential part of the new normal. Through the home-based based learning program, OLOPSC is proud to see success in the experience of its students including those from different parts of the country and abroad.

For school year 2020-2021, OLOPSC had enrollees who are situated in Mandaluyong City, Eastern Samar, Albay, Catanduanes, Cagayan Valley, Middle East, and in the U.S.

Rona Ashley Olavario, BSE-English (currently based in Albay) - photo courtesy of OLOPSC. 

For the new school year 2021-2022, OLOPSC opens its doors virtually to more students from different parts of the Philippines and the world.

Thanks to educational institutions like OLOPSC that adapt to change and continue to provide quality education to students empowering learners.

For more information on HoBS, visit www.olopsc.edu.ph
or visit their official Facebook pages at https://www.facebook.com/olopsc.official and https://www.facebook.com/olopscregistrar.

Photos courtesy of OLOPSC. 

Thanks to Angelica Grey Flores, OLOPSC School Promotions Officer

Virtual Sunday Catholic Masses in Marikina City

With a combination of lockdowns, quarantine periods, and social distancing measures observed by the public during the pandemic, churches have faced challenges sharing the Word of God to the public. Given the uncertainty of when churches can return to full capacity without compromising the health of their parishioners, parishes have embraced technology as a means to reach out to the community.

(virtual mass at St. Paul of the Cross via Facebook)

Thanks to social media platforms, churches have adapted to what is part of the new norm, offering masses virtually via livestream. By offering the same Sunday masses online, families can celebrate mass together regardless of location.

For those who live outside Marikina City, including Overseas Filipino Workers and residents outside the Philippines, this is a perfect chance to hear mass from their previous parish or nearby church when they used to live in Marikina City.

Here are five churches in Marikina City that offer virtual Sunday Catholic masses via livestream.

1. St Paul of the Cross (SSS Village)

Livestream via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spcpmarikina/

2. Immaculate Concepcion Church (Bayan-bayanan Ave.Concepcion Uno)

Livestream via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icp.marikina

3. Our Lady of The Abandoned Church (J. P. Rizal St. corner V. Gomez St., Sta. Elena)

Livestream via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OLAMarikinaOfficial

4. Jesus dela Pena (Bonifacio Avenue, Jesus Dela Peña)

Livestream via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jcpp.jdlp

5. Nativity of Our Lady Parish (Major Dizon Street, Industrial Valley Complex)

Livestream via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nolp.marikina

Check each official Facebook page for schedules and other holidays of obligation as schedules are subject to change.

Share this with friends and family who may find this list useful. 

(*screenshots from respective Facebook pages)