It’s Holy Week and millions of Filipinos outside the Philippines are going through some major FOMO and missing home all the more. Families back home are deep in their traditions for Semana Santa. For Filipino-American Catholics in Southern California they can continue the cherished tradition of Visita Iglesia—visiting seven churches to reflect on the Passion of Christ. 

Check out this list for a half-day, drivable pilgrimage through Los Angeles, exploring historic and culturally significant churches that resonate with the Catholic faith and heritage. (Note, its best to check their websites and call to check for Holy Week / Easter schedule for times and schedules)

1. St. Columban Filipino Catholic Church – Koreatown

Courtesy: St Columban website

Address: 125 S. Loma Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Established in 1945, St. Columban is the first Filipino parish in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, serving as a spiritual home for generations of Filipino-Americans.  

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2. Precious Blood Catholic Church – Westlake

Courtesy: Precious Blood Catholic Church website

Address: 435 S. Occidental Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90057

Built in 1926, this Italian Romanesque church features intricate mosaics and stained glass. Since 2004, it has been administered by the Missionaries of Jesus, a religious order based in the Philippines.  

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3. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church – University Park

Courtesy: St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church website

Address: 621 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007

Constructed in 1925 and funded by oilman Edward L. Doheny, this church is an architectural marvel and a designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.  

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4. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels – Downtown LA

Courtesy: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels website

Address: 555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

Serving over 5 million Catholics, this modern cathedral is the spiritual heart of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.   

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5. La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles (La Placita) – El Pueblo

Courtesy: La Pacita Church website

Address: 535 N. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

Founded in 1814, La Placita is the oldest Catholic church in Los Angeles, deeply rooted in the city’s Hispanic and Filipino communities.  

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6. St. Brendan Catholic Church – Hancock Park

Courtesy: St Brendan Catholic Church website

Address: 310 S. Van Ness Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020

This Gothic Revival church, built in 1927, has been featured in numerous films and is known for its stunning architecture.  

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7. Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish – East Hollywood

Courtesy: Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish website

Address: 4954 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029

A vibrant parish that has long served the Filipino-American community, offering Masses and services that reflect our rich cultural traditions.   

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Churches to Visit in order::

    1.    St. Columban Filipino Catholic Church – 125 S. Loma Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90026

    2.    Precious Blood Catholic Church – 435 S. Occidental Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90057

    3.    St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church – 621 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007

    4.    Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels – 555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

    5.    La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles (La Placita) – 535 N. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

    6.    St. Brendan Catholic Church – 310 S. Van Ness Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020

    7.    Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish – 4954 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029

Driving guide for LA Churches

Estimated Driving Times Between Churches:

    •    St. Columban to Precious Blood: ~5 minutes

    •    Precious Blood to St. Vincent de Paul: ~10 minutes

    •    St. Vincent de Paul to Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels: ~10 minutes

    •    Cathedral to La Placita: ~5 minutes

    •    La Placita to St. Brendan: ~15 minutes

    •    St. Brendan to Immaculate Heart of Mary: ~10 minutes 

Total Driving Time: Approximately 55 minutes

Time Allocated per Church Visit: 15 minutes

Total Time for Church Visits: 7 churches × 15 minutes = 105 minutes (1 hour and 45 minutes)

Total Estimated Time for the Pilgrimage:

Driving Time (55 minutes) + Church Visits (105 minutes) = Approximately 3 hours

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Suggested Stops for Refreshments:

    •    Cafe Dulce – Located in Little Tokyo, known for its unique pastries and coffee.

    •    Kuya Lord – An elevated fast-casual restaurant in East Hollywood, featuring regional Filipino dishes from the Southern Tagalog region. Chef Maynard Llera brings his classical techniques to traditional Filipino cuisine, offering dishes like lucenachon and pancit chami.  

    •    Spoon & Pork – Located in Silver Lake, this restaurant specializes in modern Filipino comfort food. Known for their signature ‘Patita’—a crispy pork shank—and other pork-centric dishes, Spoon & Pork offers a contemporary take on Filipino classics.

    •    B Sweet Dessert Bar – In Sawtelle, offering Filipino-inspired desserts like halo-halo and ube treats.