My recent trip to Cagayan de Oro City in Northern Mindanao brought me to one of the most beautiful places to pray, give thanks, and experience God's love and mercy --- the Divine Mercy Shrine.
WHAT TO DO
Hear Mass and Pray at the Chapel
At the back of the towering statue of Jesus lies the very beautiful Church of the Divine Mercy. Getting to the chapel can be quite a challenge as we had to climb several flights of stairs (around 200 steps).
The chapel crowned with thorns.
The beautiful interiors of the church.
I was really fascinated by the details and how clean and well-kept the place was.
A wall painted with faces of famous Catholic saints and martyrs.
Drink from the Miraculous Spring
A few meters past the church is an area where people can drink water said to be from a miraculous spring. The other pilgrims who visited the place even bought gallons with them to be filled with water and brought home.
A few meters past the church is an area where people can drink water said to be from a miraculous spring. The other pilgrims who visited the place even bought gallons with them to be filled with water and brought home.
Climb Towards the Heart of Jesus
This caught me by surprise. When we got there, I didn't notice that the rays on both sides of the 50-foot statue were actually stairways towards the heart of Jesus.
Take note though that you'd need to join the orientation first before you are allowed to go up. To make sure that it will remain a solemn and prayerful activity, they don't allow the pilgrims to bring their bags, cameras, and even cellphones with them while going up.
Sightsee and Commune with Nature
Aside from the religious activities, you may also enjoy the beauty of nature as the place is adorned with colorful flowers and well-manicured lawns. The picturesque Macalajar Bay is also seen beyond.
The 50-foot statue is said to be the tallest Divine Mercy statue in the world.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Cagayan de Oro City
- Taxi - If you're lucky, some taxi drivers may agree with bringing you to the Divine Mercy Shrine by the meter. Some may ask for a fixed rate though so make sure to agree on the rate first before heading off to the destination.
- Van + Motorcycle - Vans (200 Php) going to Laguindingan Airport pass by the town of El Salvador. From the corner, ride any motorcycle (15 Php/way) to the entrance of the Divine Mercy Hills.
- Jeepney + Motorcycle - From the city proper, ride a jeepney bound for Bulua Terminal (8 Php). At the terminal, take any jeepney (25 Php) or bus bound for Iligan. Get off at the Divine Mercy junction and then take any motorcylce (15 Php/way) towards the hill.
