After hearing mass online for the past two years, this year’s Lenten Season feels more like it should be, as establishments are allowed to operate at full capacity again. The Holy Week is usually when Pinoys go on out-of-town trips, do Visita Iglesia, and simply reflect and rest at home. If you don’t have plans yet but don’t want to travel too far, go for a short drive and check out these pilgrimage sites and churches near the metro:

Kamay ni Hesus

Location: Brgy. Tinamnan, Lucban, Quezon

Nestled on the slopes of Mt. Banahaw, Kamay ni Hesus is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites that do not only attract tourists during Holy Week but all year round. It’s known for the 300-step grotto showcasing different stations of the cross, with a 50-foot statue of Jesus Christ at the top. Aside from the Grotto and Holy Church where healing masses are held, visitors can explore the grounds: Holy Family Park and Noah’s Ark and Pastoral Center. Noah’s Ark also has lodging facilities where guests can stay overnight.

Check out the Holy Week schedule at Kamay ni Hesus here:

For more information and the latest updates, visit the official website or Facebook.

Mt. Maculot

Location: Cuenca, Batangas

If you’re looking for a unique and challenging activity for your Holy Week panata, go for a short drive to Cuenca, Batangas, and try climbing Mt. Maculot. Other than being a popular beginner-friendly hiking site with the best views of Taal Lake in the Rockies, the mountain is also a hotspot during Holy Week. Pilgrims hike to the Lady of Lourdes grotto or The Grotto, where you’ll also see the 14 stations of the cross on the way. It’s also the last stop of the Mt. Maculot traverse.

Montemaria

Location: Brgy. Pagkilatan, Batangas City

Montemaria Shrine, also known as Montemaria International Pilgrimage & Conference Center, is a pilgrimage center dedicated to the Mary Mother of All Asia. The site is nestled on an eight-hectare property that overlooks the sea, giving guests a solemn and scenic view when they visit. Its centerpiece is the 322-foot statue of Mary, The Mother of All Asia – Tower of Peace, placed on the highest point of the plateau – it’s the biggest statue of Mary in the world, which is equivalent to a 33-story building. The pilgrimage center is also a tourist destination, with religious theme park attractions, waterways, and landscaped gardens that visitors can explore after hearing mass.

Check out their Holy Week schedule here:

For more information and the latest updates, visit the official website or Facebook.

Marian Orchard

Location: Malabanan, Balete, Batangas

Set amidst sprawling land that would remind you of European gardens, Marian Orchard is a pilgrimage site for prayer and reflection. With its scenic garden setting, it’s also a famous spot for taking prenup photos among couples. Though you’d want to take lots of photos here, remember that the spiritual oasis is primarily for prayer and meditation – be discreet! Marian Orchard is open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM with an entrance donation of Php 50.00.

Check out their Holy Week schedule here:

For more information and the latest updates, visit the official website or Facebook.

Caleruega

Location: Caleruega, Brgy. Kaylaway, Nasugbu, Batangas

If you’re planning to book a stay in Tagaytay this Holy Week, you might as well hear mass or see the Calereuga’s healing grounds. Calereuga is a retreat center nestled just a few minutes away from Tagaytay, with the Transfiguration Chapel as its most popular spot. Surrounded by tall pine trees and blooming gardens, the church perched on top of the hill offers an intimate and scenic retreat for visitors. In fact, it’s one of the most popular wedding churches in the country!

For more information and the latest updates, visit their Facebook page.

National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio

Location: San Pedro, Sto. Tomas, Batangas

Also known as Padre Pio Shrine, the Parish and National Shrine of St. Padre Pio attracts thousands of pilgrims every year who seek healing and guidance from the beloved saint. The main church’s structure and roof resemble a salakot or hat worn by farmers and fishermen, made of indigenous materials such as wood, nipa, and bamboo. This unique architecture alone makes the drive down South worthwhile! Its grounds house different attractions as well, including Stations of the Cross and Fountain of Hope where you can refill bottles with Holy Water.

Check out their Holy Week schedule here:

For more information and the latest updates, visit their Facebook page.

Regina RICA

Location: Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal

Also known as Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia, Regina RICA is the home of a 71-foot statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary and a small chapel right below it. You would have to hike 300 steps to see it but trust that it will be worth it as you’ll also get to see a view of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and the surrounding gardens and forest.

Check out their Holy Week schedule here:

For more information and the latest updates, visit their Facebook page.

Basilica of St. Martin of Tours

Location: Taal, Batangas

After traversing Mt. Maculot, head to the heritage town of Taal to visit the country and Asia’s largest church, the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours. It’s perfect for when you wish to explore the rest of the town to see ancestral houses; you can easily take a tour on foot. After hearing mass, don’t forget to try to go to the bell tower, where you’ll be greeted by a sweeping view of neighboring towns and the sea.

Check out their Holy Week schedule here:

For more information and the latest updates, visit their Facebook page.

Before you visit, don’t forget to check the social media pages and websites in case there are changes in Holy Week schedules. Travel safely and responsibly!

This article was republished with permission from WindowSeat.ph.