Year after year we always seek to it that we go on a trip with my cousins and aunties. We often go to beaches and resorts. Just like last year we went to Arje Resort situated at barangay Luz Banzon, Jasaan. Even though I am not a good swimmer, but still I enjoyed the said trip. Since there are food, cold drinks and good talk. However this year’s family trip was different. For we did not go on a trip to a beach or resort, but to an unfamiliar place.
Yesterday, I and my younger siblings woke up as early as 5:00am to prepare ourselves for the said trip. By 6:30am we were picked up by my cousins and aunties and we rode a mini bus going to Bulua Terminal to ride another vehicle going to the said place. It was quite a long time ago since I last travelled going to the city, even so my 30 minutes trip inside the mini bus yesterday was fun. I enjoyed the cold morning breeze and the view of the places we passed by. As we arrived at the Bulua Terminal we rent a Jeepney and rode it going to Zone 4 Amparo Rd, Elsalvador City. Where the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy is located. The place we are going.
Based on the stories that my friends had shared to me, this place was said to be miraculous. For it had healed many people and granted many wishes. A friend of mine even said that the illnesses that her mother was bearing for quite long had been healed, and it is all because they had visited and prayed at the Divine Mercy Shrine. Moreover I even read some testimonies written or pasted on a specific wall at Divine Mercy Shrine, expressing how grateful they are for their wishes was granted.
As we arrived at the place, we are required to wear long wrap-up skirts, which was provided for free by the management. According to the management it was a strict rule that we need to follow. Since Divine Mercy Shrine is a pilgrimage and sacred site, therefore as visitors we should wear proper clothing to preserve our modesty throughout the visit. However if the visitors are unaware or had failed to wear the said dress code just like what happened to us. Still the management will let you in as long as you wear wrap up skirts or malongs given by them.
Afterwards, we were told about the safety precautions that we should strictly follow. Such as wearing of our face mask and face shields all the time. We also washed our hands and get our body temperature checked. We even wrote down our names, contact details and home addresses just in case if it is needed to do a contact tracing and we did it all without any hint of complainant. For we know that we are doing it for the safety of not just of ourselves but to everyone.
By the time that we had finally entered the said place I was astonished for seeing its magnificence. The scenery of the place was indeed stunning. The overlooking view of the Macajalar Bay being slightly concealed by the clouds is undeniably one of the most beautiful things I had seen. Before the mass started we lighted small red candles at one of the open shed and uttered our personal prayers. Afterwards we roamed around a little longer and enjoyed the view. We took some pictures, then we attended the mass inside the Divine Mercy Church. After the mass had ended we went straight ahead to the orientation hall, so that we can be properly oriented about what are the things that we should do and not do by the time that we will be climbing up the Shrine. In addition to the rules and regulation that was shared to us at the orientation, the facilitator also shared to us the story behind the Divine Mercy. Which I really payed attention to.
The highlight of our trip was when we climbed up to the heart of the shrine. Despite of the sun shining brightly and the scorching heat caressing our skin that makes it harder to climb up. But as we had reached the top it seems like all the hardships that we had experienced while climbing had perished. For we are able to see more clearly the overall view of the place and most importantly prayed at the heart of the shrine
After we climbed to the heart of shrine and prayed, we went down and roam around the wide ground downstairs. We payed visits to some of the religious icons and took some pictures. Then lighted candles and expressed our personal prayers once more. Next we went back upstairs and went to the souvenir shop, where we bought bracelets, necklaces, key chains, rings and t-shirts. Then we went to the miraculous fountain to drink and fetch water to bring at home. Lastly we went to the exit, returned the skirts we had borrowed and bid our good byes to the said place.
Truly indeed the things that I had read and I had heard about the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy is true. For I myself was able to witness its beauty and felt its sacredness. I hope soon if given the chance, I would go back there and pray with my whole family.
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