Roman Catholics and devoted Christians are observing the Holy Week tradition as they remember the passion and death of Christ in a spiritual and holistic way through penitence or “Panaad.”
Few days from now holy week will be start and many of devotee’s right now are planning where to go to spend their holy week. In Cagayan de Oro, 3 popular “Panaad” destinations are now set to accommodate devotees who are expected to gather and take part of the annual tradition of holy week.
Divine Mercy:
Divine Mercy Shrine is just located at El Salvador Misamis Oriental and around 30-45 minutes travel from Cagayan de Oro. If you are planning to visit this place during Holy Week be sure you come early because thousands of Divine Mercy devotees will come early and they are came from different places in the Philippines. You can do over night in Divine Mercy; just bring your own tent or sleeping bags. This shrine has a HUGE statue of Jesus Christ like the one in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Divine Mercy Shrine now has a big chapel for its devotees who would like to pray solemnly. Feast of Divine Mercy is also celebrated here every year.
The Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine:
In the past few years this Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine attracted by the devotees and become a major destination, it is located at Igbalalay Hills in Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City. The number of devotees in constantly increased. Some devotees said they felt they are closer to God when they reach the beautiful chapel after climbing a unique stairway. Despite the long walk, devotees keep coming back at the shrine as it was believed to grant the prayers of students who want to pass their board exams and other requests of the devotees.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine has a little bit challenging and adventure because you need to cross Umalag River 9 times in order for you to reach the Guadalupe Shrine with the Chapel where the “Birhen sa Guadalupe”. Don’t worry about crossing the river by 9 times because the river water was just ankle or knee deep.
Hills of Malasag:
This is the oldest place and well known place when the holy week is come. This place is just few minutes away from the heart of the City, easy to find because the entrance of this place is just along the high way of Cugman Cagayan de Oro. People gather to Malasag to participate in the procession for the Stations of the Cross.
You can do over night these 3 Holy week destinations in Cagayan de Oro.