thank GOOD it's FRIDAY!

*note: dunno why this post wasn't cross posted here when i posted it through my multiply account yesterday *sigh*

It's my 1st time to spend Good Friday here, more so, have our traditional Visita Iglesia. Leda (one of my charmed sisters) and I have been planning our IT several days ago; surfing here and there for parish activities and listing which parishes to visit first and so on and so forth. Are we OC? Nah, not really :) We need not stick to the plan 'though.

P.S. As much as I would want to take pictures inside the churches, I dare not to. I don't want to agitate fussy church goers.

9AM; Thomson Road

NOVENA CHURCH - We attended the morning prayers there together with a lot of Filipino OCW's. FYI, this is one of the well-known parishes among the Pinoys here. Maybe because it's nearer to Orchard Road and very accessible by bus/MRT.

945AM; Toa Payoh

CHURCH OF THE RISEN CHRIST - We just got there in time, while people were starting to assemble inside the church. We managed to get a seat beside 7 old ladies. Leda was teasing me that we were their caregivers. By 10AM, the pews were already filled-up and the newcomers had no choice but to stand. The Stations of the Cross was scheduled at 1030AM followed by the Liturgy and veneration of the cross. The service ended around 1PM.

We had a quick lunch there then come 145PM, we decided to proceed to the next church.

2PM; Ophir Road

OUR LADY OF LOURDES - This was my 1st time to visit this Church. Small but very unique. The altar was a sculptured rock where Mother Mary in blue and white and a young girl was; i.e., apparition-ish and the cross was situated beside. Most of the parishioners were Indian and Sri Lankan. A few were busy setting-up the stage outside for the play. We just prayed, stayed on a bit then left.

215PM; Queen Street

ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH - We walked 3 blocks to reach this next church from Lourdes. As we entered the church, a bunch of Pinoys were on their way out. It was so easy to spot a Pinoy today - a group of 4-5 or more that comes and goes; hopping from one church to another with a pamphlet/booklet on one hand. It's a signature tradition! ;) The church was vintage - high ceiling, varnished wooden pews, typical cathedral windows and a wooden balcony. I was able to take a sneak! (of the altar only)

they used a red drape to cover the altar instead of the usual purple cloth

230PM; Queen Street

CHURCH OF STS. PETER & PAUL - By the time we were walking towards the church, the sky was uber gloomy. It seemed it was going to rain any minute from then. The schedule of the play on their website was @230PM. However, when we went inside, the Passion play was about to end.*sigh* Along the sides, there were 3 groups of Filipinos praying the Stations of the Cross on their own. We didn't stay long for we wanted to catch the 230PM service in another church not so far.

245PM, Victoria Street

CATHEDRAL OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD - The church was standing-room-only-full when we arrived. It was so crowded that the air inside was so stuffy and warm. We decided to enter through the side and alas there was a little space to accommodate us. Come 315PM, the house was already jam-packed; sweat trickling down. It was the Archbishop of S'pore who celebrated the mass plus a wonderful choir.

After 1hr, the strong rain began to pour. So just imagine the bulk of people trying to squeeze in to avoid the spritz. It was truly a small sacrifice for everyone with a downpour of blessings. *wink*

This was perhaps our last stop, the 6th church we've visited. We still need one to complete the list. Hmmm...there's one just opposite this church...

A convent once with a chapel inside. Would that count? *grin*

FYI, this is CHIJMES...

...previously, the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus used for 131 years. It has been restored for commercial purposes only (dining, shopping, entertainment).

Aaaanyways, the number of churches is not really crucial. It's the reminiscence of this important day that matters, right?