Sacred and religious sites in the Philippines treat your eyes to an astonishing setting. Also, it is a place to pray, reflect and commune with God.
The Philippines is a Christian country blessed with sacred and religious sites not just inside a church but also outside touching the beauty of nature. There were devotees in these sacred grounds healed through the amazing grace of God.
In fact, you can have both, experience God and enjoy nature with these 6 locations we gathered for your visiting pleasure.
Manila Cathedral
Location: Santo Tomas, Intramuros, Manila
The faithful also calls the Manila Cathedral as the Minor Basilica or the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Filipinos recognize the cathedral as the mother of all churches in the Philippines. Also, it serves as the home to the archbishop of Manila and the resting place of past archbishops of Manila.
It withstood the test of time such as wars, fire, earthquakes, and typhoons. Countless repairs and renovations made it one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene
Location: Plaza Miranda, Quiapo Church, Manila
The Black Nazarene is a life-size wooden statue of Jesus Christ with dark skin, on a kneeling position and carrying a cross. They enshrine the image in Quiapo Church.
Every January 9 millions of devotees join the procession from the Quiapo Church en route to different parts of Manila City and back. Men and women, young and old walk on barefoot waving their towels under scorching heat or heavy downpour.
Catholics believe wiping the towel, that touches the Black Nazarene, on their body will cure them of sickness, grant their requests, and help the needy.
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Manaoag
Location: Manaoag, Pangasinan
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Manaoag has the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the altar. The faithful believe that the image has healing powers. Devotees pray for a cure or good health. A visitor can see the miraculous events in the murals of the church.
For instance, the Japanese dropped four bombs in the area during WW II. A bomb dropped directly in the shrine did not explode it was intact. The other three bombs nearby detonated but did little damage to the church.
Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
Location: Barangay Graceville, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan
Each Holy Week faith seekers flock to Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto to say their prayers and to heal them. It is a good place for a quiet time with the Lord and recollection.
The place is a copy of France’s Lourdes Grotto. Beneath the statue is a natural spring known to heal disease. Next to the shrine is the 14 Stations of the Cross with full-scale statues showing the passion and demise of Jesus Christ at Calvary Hill. Also, you can see a figure of Jesus Christ inside a cave. Nearby is Rosary Hill featuring 155 large beads.
Devotees practice a tradition of walking from home up to the grotto, “Alay Lakad.” It is their way of honoring the sacrifice by Jesus Christ.
Regina Rica Queen of the Holy Rosary
Location: Marcos Highway at Sitio Aguho, Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal
In the center of a 14-hectare reservation is the astonishing 71-foot high statue of the Virgin Mary. Below it is a canopy of clouds with 17 faces of angels. In addition, the place has a waterfall, a creek, and 10,000 trees. Trek 308 steps to reach the top. Along the way, you’ll come across the 14 Stations of the Cross and 13 candle stations for offerings. Once you reach the summit, a fabulous view of the Sierra Madre mountains awaits you.
Devotees flock the sanctuary to pray, meditate, and to enjoy what the place offers.
Kamay ni Hesus Shrine
Location: Lucban-Tayabas Road, Lucban, Quezon
The Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is a five-kilometer pilgrimage site found at the foot of Mount Banahaw in Quezon. Devotees visit the shrine for the healing masses and a spiritual retreat.
Not only is it known for the 50-foot figure of the Christ’s Ascension but also for the 305-step climb to the grotto. Get an up-close experience with life-size statues of the Stations of the Cross. In addition, there is Noah’s Ark a place for meditation and for lost souls who want to reconnect with the Lord.
When visiting sacred and religious sites in the Philippines link with God and everything else is secondary. Praying and renewing spiritually is a good way not only to care for your soul but also for a fantastic getaway.
Sources:
https://twomonkeystravelgroup.com/30-beautiful-churches-in-the-philippines
https://www.tripzilla.ph/philippines-religious-destinations-visita-iglesia/1332
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