The Friends of the Divine Mercy conducted its second annual Visita Iglesia on March 31  touring 15th century-old churches of Bulacan province.

The "Way of Mercy," which recalls the sufferings of Jesus in 14 stations of the cross,  drew about 400 pilgrims including Divine Mercy devotees from the community and  affiliate-members.

The first stop was at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Marilao, Bulacan where  the community attended a Holy Mass offered for its intentions. Fr. Mar Arenas, shrine  rector, met the community to update them with the advocacies of the shrine in further  propagating the Divine Mercy devotion.

Fr. Arenas also informed the community of the preparations for the 10th anniversary  celebration of the shrine in November. The shrine, one of Jubilee churches in the country,  can grant plenary indulgence (remove temporal punishment for sins) for those who enter  through its doors as long as they confess their sins; receive holy communion; and say the  Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be for the intentions of the Holy Father.

The first two stations of the cross were conducted at the premises of the shrine. The next  two were made at the St. Michael the Archangel Parish in downtown Marilao. The other  churches visited where a couple of the stations were made in each were: St. Michael of  Tours Parish, Bocaue; St. Martin Lawrence Parish, Balagtas; San Ildefonso Parish,  Guigunto; St. James the Apostle, Plaridel; and San Isidro Labrador, Pulilan.

Friends Bacolod held its Treasures fellowship on March 18, 2012 at Parlor Hall of Sacred Heart Seminary, Lupit Church, Bacolod City.

About 20 members, led by Sis. Rosamie Azuro, head of the chapter, attended the gathering. The highlight of the event was the Lenten talk of Sis. Milarey Maquiling-Wee called "C.R.O.S.S," for Christ, Resurrection, Offerings, Servanthood and Salvation.

The salient points of her discussion were:

1. The crucifix symbolizes sacrifice and hardship similar to our own struggles and challenges in life. It also reminds us to communicate to Christ through prayers.
2. The meaning of resurrection to Christian lives is one of hope, to overcome struggles. The resurrection shows there is a "life after" to look forward to, and gives purpose to  our very existence.
3. Offering and servanthood. We show our appreciation to God for all the blessings and graces that we receive by being a blessing to others. 
4. Salvation.  It frees us from the bondage of sin. God loves us so much that He sent His son to earth to live with us. In a great act of love, Jesus Christ died on the cross as a perfect substitute for each of us so that we can have eternal life.

After the lecture, the participants were divided  into groups to share with each other their experiences of how they reciprocated God's blessings to them.