Found the place to retreat at the Divine Mercy Hills
Way back 2008, my employer who was a lector in our local church had a memorable trip to the newly inaugurated pilgrim site. As she came back from that trip, she was full of excitement about her experiences to her kids. While I was hearing their conversations, it has planted in my mind and had the promise that one day I should get to The Devine Mercy Hills El Salvador.
The magazine that she bought about the history of how the 50-foot Jesus statue was built was amused me. I felt deep wonders. As I scanned to the pages of the magazine, it spoke to my heart. The said pilgrim site was built through visions, messages from the Lord. A group of Divine Mercy devotees received the visions, messages and instructions from Jesus to begin the Church of Mercy. From then on, the words stayed in my mind. There I hoped to set foot in that miraculous place.
In the year 2024, I had my memorable journey to The Divine Mercy Hills El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines. A Roman Catholic monument that stand the statue of Jesus as the Divine Mercy towering 50 feet facing the Macajalar Bay on the Island of Mindanao situated in a 9 hectare property, funded by donations, and was completed in year 2008. Two rays emanate from the heart of the statue that represents hope, while the other stands for faith. These double as stairs that devotees can use to get close to the chamber of adoration located in the Jesus statue’s heart.
| Gate Schedule | Time |
|---|---|
| Open | 6:00 am |
| Close | 5:00 pm |
| Ticket and Entry | Free |
Dress Code:
No revealing outfits. Strictly no sleeveless, short pants and skirts.
Eucharistic Celebrations
| Days | Time |
|---|---|
| Saturday | 8:00 am, 11:00 am, 3:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00nn, 3 pm |
| Weekdays | 7:00 and 3:30 pm |
Other Services
| Service | Day and Time |
|---|---|
| Confessions | Daily 2:30-3:15 pm |
| Saturday and Sunday | during every Mass |
| Rosary & Devine Mercy Novena | Weekdays 2:30 pm |
| Feast Day | Sunday after the Easter Sunday |
Upon entry you got to register by the entrance gate. You first see the candle lighting area located at the right side near the entrance. While being inside the pilgrim site, it is best to be silent and observe the surroundings quietly.
They also have the store for religious memorabilia. We bought rosaries and images to be blessed after the mass later on.
Before climbing the 200 steps to the heart of Jesus above, we are told to get oriented first at the Orientation Hall located at the left wing of the property just before entering the stairs. We were then told that using mobile phones while ascending and descending is prohibited. Just you and your presence with God and for our safety too.
For a complete retreat I recommend to:
Get inside the Adoration Chapel just below the Jesus Statue and pray from all your hearts.
Take the stairs up and be at the top at the center of His heart
You can relax below the statue after climbing the stairs and be with the cool breeze
Prepare for your confessions and be at peace
After confessions, attend the mass with a renewed hearts, mind and soul
The serenity of the Devine Mercy hills has brought me peace and renewal. It was a dream come true for me. If only I can bring my love ones there to experience the same peace that I felt. I will be back soon if fate allows.
Be bless.
| Sources | Click |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Welcome to the Divine Mercy Shrine |
| Divine Mercy Shrine - Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro | |
| Google Maps | Divine Mercy Hills |
| Steem Atlas Website | https://steematlas.com/ |
| Steem Atlas Link | [//]:# (!steematlas 8.54708235 lat 124.5277977 long Devine Mercy Church d3scr) |