Visita Iglesia or the Seven Churches Visitation is a Lenten tradition of the Roman Catholics. It is observed by the pious visitation of seven churches or religious sites on Maundy Thursday. But as a non-catholic, I don’t do this custom. So what I am going to post today is my top seven places of worship of various religions.
Place of Worship # 7 Sri Mariamman Temple
This is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. It has a lofty gopuram (monumental tower) at its entrance that is ornately made of Hindu deities.
Place of Worship # 6 Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar
This state mosque of Johor Bahru, Malaysia was built in between 1892 and 1900 under the direction of Sultan Abu Bakar. It was inspired by English Victorian architecture with more of the Moorish architecture elements.
Place of Worship # 5 Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
This is the most visited Buddhist temple in Singapore. It houses a hundred statues of Buddha and most importantly, the gold tooth relic of Buddha. Buddhists from all over the world come to this sacred place as their act of veneration to the divine Buddha.
Place of Worship # 4 Cebu Taoist Temple
This Taoist Temple in Beverly Hills, Cebu was built for the Chinese community in the Philippines who believes and follows the ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao Zi. It is where Taoist devotees climb the 81 steps which represent the 81 chapters of Taoism scripture.
Place of Worship # 3 Peñafrancia Basilica Minore
This Catholic church enshrines the image of the miraculous Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga City. It has colorful glass mosaic windows and impressive hand-painted ceilings. Thousands of pilgrims come to this church every September for the feast of the Holy Virgin.
Place of Worship # 2 Divine Mercy Hill
This Catholic shrine of the Sacred Heart in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental is the Philippine version of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. It has a picturesque landscape of a hill overlooking the Macajalar Bay where the majestic and gigantic image of the Sacred Heart mightily stands.
Place of Worship # 1 Happy Church
This is an evangelical born-again Christian church in Ozamis City founded by Pastor Elvie Go. In here, there are no religious relics of deities, personas, nor saints. For in here, we worship God in spirit and in truth. That is why, we had become the largest born-again Christian church in the city reaching over 30 years and still going stronger!
For a Spirit-filled Sunday service and fellowship, visit Happy Church at Bernard Ave., Ozamiz City.
“…..all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God.” – Isaiah 37:20
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