The Our
Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in the City of Golden Friendship
Here in
my city Cagayan de Oro, locally dubbed as the City of Golden
Friendship, one of the places that people of Cagayan (Cagayanons) may
be proud of and may consider as one of the tourist haven is “The
Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine”.
The
shrine is also known as one of devotees destination to spend their
Holy Week . Every first week of April, every Filipinos observe the
Holy Week tradition to commemorate the passion and death of Jesus
Christ.
It
surely attract many tourist especially devotees due to its beautiful
view that anyone will enjoy to capture by their cameras and due to
its adventurous route with nine (9) crossing river.
To get
to Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, devotees, visitors needs to walk
four (4) kilometers and cross 9 times through the river that connects
the different Barangays of Cagayan de Oro City, the river of “Umalag”
and while crossing the river there are 14 Station of the Cross where
you can pause to pray and offer your petitions. Our Lady of Guadalupe
Shrine with its maze-filled road will allow you to enjoy the wonders
of nature and meditation.
The
river crossing and the shades of the vegetative landscape provides
the coolness and shade from the heat of the sun, which makes many
people continue to visit and love The Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine.
After
the four kilometer stretch and crossing the river tributary devotees,
visitors and pilgrims will surely be more amazed not just by the
majestic view of nature but also by the beautiful sanctuary and the
unique altar made of drift wood that signifies the antiquity of
times.
Upon
climbing the 75- steps and unique stairway up to the Chapel where you
can see the original image of Our Lady of Guadalupe that were said to
be brought by group of devotee’s way back May 1987, you can also
see the Statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe that was donated also by
unknown devotee. Upon reaching the Chapel, devotees can stop to hear
mass, light a candle and pray.
Despite of the long walks it is said that many devotees keep coming back here in the shrine because aside from the adventure that you will experience, it is believed that The Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine grants many prayers.
After
the entire day crossing river, climbing the stairs going to the
chapel they also have affordable food chains that offers delicious
food that many would surely love. You may also bring your own food
and enjoy the cool breeze of air while eating and sitting in the
benches or in the grass like having a picnic.
And if
you are still looking for adventure, fun and adrenaline boost, you
could ride a huge tube just like having white water rafting in going
back to the trails instead of crossing the river again. There are
still small to medium range rapids that you would enjoy. You would be
brought back to the origin of the trail. It's being close to nature,
green scenery, water trail and hear the birds singing.
And at
the end of the day after visiting The Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine,
you would also tell to yourself, just like what I had experience
during my visit to the shrine, that it is not just about adventure,
not just about fun but also about getting closer to God. You will
able to feel the presence of God guiding you all the way as you go
along your way.