Hello, fellow Hivers! I recently had the opportunity to visit the awe-inspiring Huge Statue of the Divine Mercy, which is situated in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental. This remarkable site has become a pilgrimage destination for many, and I wanted to share my experience and shed light on the reasons so many devotees choose to come here to seek repentance, divine mercy, reflection, and inner peace.
Before entering the grounds, visitors must pass by a booth where they are briefed on the site's dress code. It’s important for everyone to adhere to this policy to show respect for the sacredness of the place. Women are advised against wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, low-waisted jeans, or short skirts. For those who may not be dressed appropriately, the site provides an assortment of long skirts in various colors, including maroon, green, yellow, and red. The ideal attire for women includes collared blouses with sleeves and knee-length dresses. Men should also be mindful of their dress and refrain from wearing shorts above the knee.
Once you pass through the entrance, the security protocols include an X-ray screening of all personal belongings, ensuring everyone’s safety by preventing unauthorized items, such as explosives or firearms, from being brought onto the premises. As you make your way through the area, you’ll encounter a range of sidewalk vendors selling religious items like rosaries, t-shirts, bracelets, and figurines related to Divine Mercy. During my visit last Friday, I noticed the serene ambiance, with only a handful of visitors present, which added to the contemplative atmosphere.
One of the spiritual highlights of the site is the miraculous water, which is believed to possess healing properties. Vendors offer empty containers for sale, but visitors are also welcome to bring their containers to fill with this free water. However, before drinking the water, it's customary to say a prayer, further enhancing the sacred experience.
Along your path, you will come across a Candle House, where you can light candles as a symbol of your prayers and intentions. At the entrance, they provide small round red candles for free, which you can light there. If you have larger or longer candles, you may take them to the Big Cross located near the Sto. Niño Grotto on the second level, where you can light them in a designated area.
After taking a stroll, I ventured into Marian's Shop, the official religious merchandise store of Divine Mercy. The shop boasts a vast selection of religious accessories and artifacts, perfect for those looking to commemorate their visit.
Just across from the shop is the stunning church itself, which features a unique roof designed as a replica of Jesus' Crown of Thorns, prompting visitors to reflect on the passion of Christ.
As I continue my exploration, walking just a little further will lead you to the back of the majestic Divine Mercy statue.
Before ascending to the Heart of Jesus, you must first attend an orientation session, which provides valuable information on the conduct expected during the walk to this sacred area. Visitors are required to deposit their personal belongings at a desk upon entering the Heart of Jesus, as photography is strictly prohibited during the ascent to maintain the sanctity of the experience. I briefly considered sneaking my phone to capture some moments, but ultimately I decided against it and instead focused on walking up in prayerful contemplation.
People visit Divine Mercy for various reasons, each seeking a personal connection with God's grace and compassion. Many of the visitors include students and recent graduates looking for divine guidance and support, especially as they prepare for challenging exams like the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) and board exams. Many individuals have shared heartfelt testimonies, crediting their success on these important tests to the intercession of Divine Mercy. They often return to the church afterward to express their gratitude and devotion through prayer.
The display in Divine Mercy features several bulletin boards filled with handwritten notes, photographs, and sticky notes from individuals expressing gratitude. Many acknowledge that they owe their successes to the Lord, as their prayers were heard and answered. In 2024, those who sought Divine Mercy were particularly grateful for passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
Upon reaching the Heart of Jesus, the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking. Visitors are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding area, where you can gaze upon lush greenery and the sparkling ocean in the distance. This serene and uplifting experience leaves a lasting impression, and visiting Divine Mercy is a truly memorable journey of faith and reflection.
The inside of the church is spacious and can accommodate many churchgoers. If you’re considering a visit, you’ll be pleased to know that Mass is celebrated in the church every Sunday, as well as on weekdays, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere for all attendees.
Holy Mass Schedule:
Morning / Afternoon
Monday-Friday - 7:00 AM / 3:30 PM
Saturday - 8:00 - 11:00 AM / 3:30 PM
Sunday - 8:00 AM - 12:00 NN / 3:00 PM
It was a hot day, and I was so thirsty from walking the long stairs, so I bought and enjoyed a refreshing cup of natural coconut juice for Php30 and then drank some miraculous water from the faucet.
In conclusion, the message that Divine Mercy shows is more than just a bunch of prayers; it's a heartfelt invitation to take action. It encourages us to live with love, forgiveness, and compassion in our everyday lives. Let's embrace this beautiful message, share it with those around us, and work together as shining examples of God's endless mercy!
Lead Image: Canva Edu lifetime
Camera: Oppo Reno7
All photos are mine unless otherwise stated.
