MANILA -- Each year, thousands of Catholic devotees make a pilgrimage to the Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia in Tanay, Rizal.

More popularly known as Regina RICA, the pilgrimage site features a towering statue of the Virgin Mary amid the lush mountains of the Sierra Madre.

According to Sr. Sarah Ronda, OP, Secretary General of the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii, on regular Sundays, Regina Rica sees up to 8,000 visitors. But during Holy Week, the number surges to over 100,000.

Stations of the Cross are located along a path that is a kilometer long, and those who want to reach the statue of the Virgin Mary need to do a lengthy walk up.

“During the Holy Week, sa mga umaakyat dito kay Mama Mary, expect po na mahaba pila sa paakyat,” Sr. Ronda said.

(During Holy Week, visitors should expect long lines during the walk up.)

The nuns advise visitors to bring water, as well as umbrellas to provide shade from the sun.

“Mga previous years po namin umaabot ng dalawa hanggang tatlong oras ang pila sa dami po ng mga tao,” she said.

(In previous years, the line was two to three hours long due to the number of people.)

Reil Briones wanted to avoid the large crowds, which is why he chose to go to Regina Rica this Thursday, along with others from his hometown of Lucena City.

“Solemn 'yung lugar,” Briones said.

(The place is solemn.)

The cool mountain air of the area was also refreshing, Briones said. 

While the area is picturesque, the nuns emphasize that visitors should regard Regina Rica as a place for prayer and reflection, and not just another tourist destination.

She said that visitors are free to take pictures anywhere in the area except the adoration room. 

“Kasi kadalasan naka-expose ang blessed sacrament and this is a solemn place and this is to avoid na makaistorbo ka sa ibang tao na nagdadasal.”

(The Blessed Sacrament is usually exposed there, and this is a solemn place. This is to avoid disturbing others who are praying.)

Regina RICA will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday. On Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Regina Rica will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

ANTIPOLO

Millions visit the Antipolo Cathedral during Holy Week. During Maundy Thursday, millions join the traditional Alay Lakad to the cathedral.

The church, which houses the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, was declared an International Shrine last year.

Rev. Father Reynante Tolentino, shrine rector of the cathedral, said he expects the number of pilgrims to further increase because of the cathedral’s stature, and the presence of the Golden Rose bestowed by Pope Francis.

This year, they plan to incorporate Stations of the Cross along the routes, spanning Tikling and Sumulong Highway.

Last year, the Antipolo PNP estimated that around 6 million devotees took part in the Alay Lakad. Many of the devotees were youth.

“Eh siguro pwedeng form of sacrifice kasi Holy Week. More on nakakahikayat nun is yung barkadahan. Pero ang mahalaga ang pinupuntahan nila is dito sa simbahan,” he said

(Perhaps it can be seen as a form of sacrifice during Holy Week. What usually attracts people is being with friends, but what's important is that they are going here to the church.)

The Antipolo Cathedral International Shrine will have a mass confession on Holy Monday and a procession on Holy Wednesday.

For the full schedule for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, you can visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/antipolocathedralph for announcements.

While vacations are not discouraged, priests urge the faithful to seize the Holy Week to draw closer to God.

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