Divine Mercy Shrine of El Salvador

          This awesome shrine is located in the small city of El Salvador (The Savior), which is about 18 kilometers west of Cagayan de Oro City, close to the shores of Northern Mindanao of the Philippines. It is said at the foot of the shrine, "JESUS I TRUST IN YOU"..

          During the Holy Week, the amazing shrine of the Divine Mercy was visited by thousands of people from different towns and far away cities for the people to dwell and spend their holy time with our God. A very solemn and inviting place to stay and worship our Lord. Jesus' figure, which is 50 feet tall,  stands at the center and peak of the shrine. The astonishing scenery of the shrine is really an eye-catching view to the people due to its creative and inspired works of arts. 

          From the entrance of the shrine, you have to climb hundreds of stairs up to get to the gigantic figure of Jesus. Also, you have to take another hundreds of steps up to climb up to the heart of Jesus. However, during our stay at the shrine, the way to the heart of Jesus was not open for the people to walk up. This is due to security reasons. The shrine was open 24/7 and for the safety of the people, it was secured by some of the law enforcements officers safeguarding the place.

          Some of the tourists even stayed at night at the foot of the shrine, bringing tents for their shelter. Outside the shrine, various of foods and souvenirs are for sale for the comfort and likes of the people. Candles and prayer pamphlets are also sold outside the shrine.

          As you enter the shrine, wearing of sleeveless, shorts, or even pedals is prohibited. If any of those were worn upon entering the shrine, it is required to wear the long skirt or shirt for the person to pass in. (see the right picture).

          Then, near the gateway of the shrine is the first station of the cross. People also visit the shrine to accomplish the 14 STATIONS OF THE CROSS. As we performed the ceremony, we also climbed  hundreds of steps to get to the 14th station, which is infront of Jesus' figure. Lastly, the feeling was victorious and overwhelming when we got into the last station and completed the ceremony.

          On the second day of our visit, we attended the Mass for the Veneration of the Cross. It was really my first time to participate the celebration. The small and humble chapel was loaded by people. The mass was presided by foreign priests. it was a different and more solemn and inspiring mass I had attended. Before the Eucharistic celebration ended, all of us lined up to caress and kiss Jesus' figure after the veneration. By that part, it almost took 2 hours. It was really a very lengthy but affective mass.

          Then, before we leave the shrine, we also bought Holy Water from the shrine. It is said to be a healing water. People are bringing different kinds of containers and large bottles for them to gather and bring home. For some who had not bring any, there are bottles for the holy water sold outside the shrine. The water is free for the people to drink, collect, and wash.

          It is really a one of a kind experience, very unique and inspiring one. Hope more and more people will come over to visit the holy place and also have their own exceptional experience in the DIVINE MERCY SHRINE of EL SALVADOR.