In Mindanao, the Divine Mercy Watches Over

July 01, 2011 Travel

An article published in a local paper reminds everyone: the Divine Mercy Shrine is not a tourist spot.

Towering on top of a hill in Northern Mindanao is the world's tallest Divine Mercy Shrine. But the size of the statue is not the story here, nor the reason for a visit. For there is something much bigger here. 


The Divine Mercy Shrine, located at Tambaling, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, is a sanctuary for the faithful. It is built to deepen one's faith and relationship to God.

The shrine, which opened in 2008, sits on a hill 500 feet above sea level with a total land area of 93,352 square meter. Aside from the 50 foot Statue of the Divine Mercy, there is a Perpetual Adoration Chapel, way of the Cross, Mary's garden, field altar, seminar facilities and monastery. 

It overlooks the Macajalar Bay and the mountains of Lanao.

Hundreds of pilgrims come here everyday. It is a 30 minute drive from Cagayan de Oro City. 

I was given options by the receptionist of the hotel where I stayed but I opted to just go there on a cab, who agreed to wait for me.

There are two entrances to the shrine. The cab driver dropped me off the main entrance where I took the stairs to get to the shrine. There is also a parking lot at the back.

I timed my visit for the mass. I noticed the usherettes handing out skirts for those in shorts and pants. The usherettes were also very attentive, making sure everyone was seated.


After the mass, I went to the adoration chapel. Another reminder is posted on the entrance.


I also went to the place where pilgrims can get healing water.


I also noticed that everywhere there are signages to keep us on the right track.


It was too late to go up the statue so I just said my final prayer of thanksgiving and headed back to the hotel.  

 In this day and age when everything is so fast, it is nice to have shrines like this to remind us that all we need is Him. 

Update as of July, 2015.

I visited Cagayan de Oro recently and I passed by the shrine before going to Laguindingan Airport.  I negotiated a good rate with our cab driver, which included a quick visit to the shrine.  We paid him P 800.00.  The driver dropped us off the back entrance, which is also the parking lot.

 Skirts are now being distributed at the entrance.  

 I also noticed a lot of developments like new souvenir shops and this beautiful chapel.



Guests are also required now to attend a short briefing before going up the statue. Here are more new photos.


Here is the schedule:



Kelly is a public relations professional and entrepreneur whose projects have assisted multinational organizations, small and medium enterprises, government officers, international organizations and non-governmental organizations. She is partner-consultant of RubyComm-K.Austria, a public relations management and consultancy company. Kelly is also a former government employee having served at the Department of Tourism for two years. Being mountaineers, Kelly and her friends travel by land, sometimes on rough roads and trek for hours to give a new lease of hope to students. She is co-founder of the group TREK or Trails to Empower Kids.

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