It’s not my first time visiting Lucban in Quezon province, but the agenda was always for scoping resorts and beaches because they have some of the most awesome summer vacation spots in Luzon. Last time I checked in at Batis Aramin in Barangay Tinamnan, Lucban, I saw just across the gates of the resort the KAMAY NI HESUS Hill Shrine and said to myself that the next time I visit the area it will be for the Shrine.
And so a couple of weeks ago, I went to Lucban to experience for the first time as a pilgrim (and a messenger) the Kamay Ni Hesus Hill Shrine. Interestingly, Kamay Ni Hesus Hill Shrine is as inspiring as the story of the person who founded it – Father Joey Faller.
Father Joey a native of Lucban, Quezon is known as a ‘healing’ priest. His journey as a servant of God started after his ordination in September 19, 1989. Prior to his ordination, Father Joey’s sister Stella died in 1986, his father Francisco died in 1988, followed by his mother Adelaida in 1989. But instead of breaking his spirit, the experience further strengthened his resolve to serve the will of God. In 1994, Father Joey got into a life-threatening accident that left his right hand’s index and small finger permanently curled (resembling the hand of the image of the child Jesus – Sto. Nino). No operation could ever restore his hands to its original state and to many individuals, this was a physical manifestation of God’s healing hands through his priest servant. Since then, he has carried the hands of the Lord to heal the sick.
In 1998, Father Joey founded the Kamay Ni Hesus Ministry Foundation and built the hill shrine which houses a healing center, renewal center, church and the hill shrine of the ascending Jesus.
Kamay Ni Hesus Hill Shrine is now Quezon’s most visited pilgrimage site – not only during the Holy Week but all year round.
There are two ways to get to Lucban, Quezon from Manila – you may either take the Calamba Exit or Sto. Tomas Exit via the South Super Hiway. For those travelling on private car, the shortest will be the Calamba – Sta. Cruz area.
We took the Sto. Tomas -Sariaya route and it took us almost 4 hours to get there on regular traffic because there were a lot of road works and bridge repairs in the area. I think when all the works are finished, travel time would only be a little over three hours. There are a lot of buses also that will take you straight to Lucban from Metro Manila and back.
Kamay Ni Hesus Hill Shrine are divided into two areas. Upon entering, you will immediately be greeted by the different facilities surrounding the Kamay Ni Hesus Healing Church on top of a man-made plateau situated at the first half of the 5-hectare property. By the way, there are no entrance fees.
The plateau also houses the Marian Park, Angel’s Hills, a gallery of saints (statues) all over, the retreat center, prayer room (blessed sacrament), information office, religious stores, souvenir stores, restaurants and restrooms (you pay 5 pesos to use this). Another interesting part of the church structure are the floors outside which is made up of cement tablets with prayers and dedications engraved on it. It was part of the Church’s fund-raising activity where families and individuals may donate a certain amount to the Kamay Ni Hesus Ministry Foundation and be awarded with a slab of flooring where they can have their prayers or special messages etched on it. Just like posting on Twitter – no hashtags though.
The second half of the property is devoted to the grotto area which houses the Garden of Eden, Noahs Ark, Eden Falls and a Hill that has all the life-sized statues depicting the 14 stations of the cross ending with the famous 5o-foot statue of the Ascending Christ at the summit. You’ll have to go up 305 steps to get to the summit, there’s no elevator going down so that’s a total of 610 steps – be sure to bring some water, you’ll definitely need it.
The Hill Shrine of the Ascending Christ
The whole grotto experience ends with the candle station, a pack of colored candles (5 pieces) is sold at 20 pesos. The candle’s color corresponds to a certain category of prayer petition.
Over-all, it was a rewarding spiritual experience and the breath-taking view at the top of the grotto makes the journey a truly memorable one.
For those who are not capable of going up the steep Hill of the Ascending Christ, there is a smaller grotto near the exit called ‘Luklukan Ni Maria’ or Rosary Hill that contains life-size statues depicting all the mysteries of the Holy Rosary.
Kamay Ni Hesus Mass Schedules:
- Saturday and Wednesday
- 9:30AM – Healing Mass
- Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri
- 9:00AM – Regular Mass
- Saturday Anticipated Mass
- 5:00PM
- Every Sunday
- 7:30AM / 9:00AM / 10:30AM / 11:30AM / 4:00PM
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How much is your room rates at Noah’s ark.
Meron po bang Retreat house and magkano po per head,and kung meron po overnight po ba pwede.
Hi yes in fact it’s a popular retreat venue but unfortunately, I am not familiar with the rates and guidelines. You may try contacting their office or visit Fr. Faller’s site at http://www.joeyfaller.org
Nov 11, 2015 visit- 800 pesos with beeakfast foram overnight stay. Room good for two persons. They have also package rates for 2 nights, 3 nights and Retreats. 3,000 for the priest. Enjoy! The Noah’s Ark is cool.
FR JOEY FALLER SANA PO TULUNGAN NIYO ANG AKING MAHAL NA INA MERON PO SIYANG CANCER STAGE 4 EUGENIA PABUNA DELA CRUZ PO ANG PANGALAN NIYA WALA NA PO KAMENG PERA PANG TULOY PA NG KANYANG GAMUTAN SA INYO NALANG PO AKO UMAASA FATHER JOEY TULUNGAN NIYO PO KAME
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