The Pilgrimage Hill of Garin Farm: Retreat and Meditation Place During the Holy Week

The observance of Holy Week in the Philippine is regarded as one of the most important events in the Catholic church calendar. It is a week-long solemn contemplation on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. 

 

We also attend mass during Maundy Thursday and join the procession on Holy Friday.

There is one place in the southern part of Iloilo - in San Juaquin that is a haven for Catholics who would like to meditate on Jesus’ passion during the holy week, in a more solemn manner within a lush greenery on a hill, about the height of a 10-storey building.

The /Garin Pilgrimage Hill, about the height of a 10-storey building can be accessed by about 450 steps.

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We climbed the Garin Pilgrimage Hill after about 450 steps, leading to the big white cross.

Is this  what heaven looks like?

Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden:  the origin of humanity

Our experience is made more meaningful because as we entered this part, the white surroundings are so strikingly hurtful to the eyes. I can really feel that it is like heaven, as the way I watched it in the movies.

But as we went downstairs, I realized, it was just an optical illusion.

Aside from the heavenly spectacle, the hill features life-sized installation of biblical scenes which devotees can visit while climbing upstairs.

We dropped by all these attractions and said short prayers for each.

Jesus was welcomed in Jerusalem in  this Palm Sunday scene.

A loving son spends his final meal with the disciples.

The son of God prays and accepts his fate at the Garden of Gethsemane.

Our one-day tour of the Garin Farm was enriching and meaningful.