KAMAY NI HESUS

Quezon

Every Lenten season, devotees from all around the Philippines travel far and wide to the spiritual destination of Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon province to commune with God. Built by Fr. Joey Faller in 2002, the resort-like attraction has become the perfect place to pray, meditate and renew yourself amid idyllic surroundings. The staff members expect millions of visitors during Holy Week.

Lock and send your prayers straight to Heaven in the shrine’s “prayer lock” station, where the guests are offered locks accompanied with personal intentions and are at- tached to a steel net behind the church, providing an outlet for individuals to repent, restore and reflect. Visitors also have the option to light five candles for their prayers instead.

The pilgrimage site is also home to over 200 concrete images of saints scattered around the complex as donations from devotees, friends and balikbayans. Its Garden of Eden serves as a playground, with statues of saints around the area, where visitors can relax and have picnics. Families, companies and schools can book a retreat or recollection in Noah’s Ark, which also operates like a hotel.

Amid all the available activities offered by Kamay ni Hesus, your visit cannot be complete without waiting for hours behind the gates of the 300-step Stairway to Heaven that leads to the world’s third tallest icon of the Risen Christ, standing 50 ft high over the hill. Its enthralling view often leaves visitors in awe, as it overlooks the glorious sights that God’s creations have to offer. Perhaps, you may finally believe that heaven isn’t so far away.

To get there: From Manila, take a bus going to Diversion Road, Lucena City. Then, take a jeepney to Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban.