In Maasin City, some trails lead to a deepening of FAITH.
I was in Maasin City last weekend to represent a group that is promoting Quarant'Ore or 40 hour vigils in front of the Holy Eucharist, which is a movement for people to return to prayers 25 years after EDSA.
We arrived in Maasin City after a 4 hours land trip from Tacloban City at around 10AM. We had time before the closing ceremonies of the Quarant'Ore so we were invited by our host, Fr. Garnette Quirong to visit Monte Cueva de la Virgen Shrine.
The jump-off point is less than a 15 minutes ride from the town plaza. It is located on the hills of Barangay Rizal. From the jump-off, pilgrims take around 400 steps to reach a small cave called the Shrine of the Precious Blood.
The Welcome Arch
Mama Mary welcomes pilgrims.
Pilgrims take these concrete stairs to the top of the hill. At each landing are statues commemorating the way of the cross.
The Stations of the cross
After the station of the cross, pilgrims will see the entrance to the cave.
Masses are being held here regularly for pilgrims.
Pilgrims gather water from these, believed to be miraculous.
After some prayers inside the cave, pilgrims can visit the canteen, which sells souvenir shirts and some refreshments, before heading on to the statue of the Pieta.
In front of the Pieta is the cave's natural hole that allows for magnificent lighting inside the cave.
From inside the cave, fixtures shaped like three drops of blood from the dead Christ drop from the hole.
On top of the hill is the newly constructed view deck with the statue of Mama Mary. The view deck affords a sweeping view of Maasin City.
How to get there?
Take a tricycle from the city center of Maasin City to Brgy. Rizal. Actually, just tell the tricycle drivers you want to go to Monte Cueva.
0 comments