Holiday! It is Araw ng Kagitingan, Wednesday, 9 April 2014, instead of visiting Dambana ng Kagitingan in Bataan, I attended a pilgrimage on the province of Rizal. During Lenten Season it has been my tradition to do the Stations of the Cross (Via Crucis) for Visita Iglesia. Aside from hitting the beach, this is one of my favorite things to do during summer season.
Visita Iglesia literally translates "church visit" in Spanish, means to explore churches with prayers, meditation and full acknowledgement of Jesus sufferings. It is a Holy Week tradition of Roman origin which is practiced by Filipino Christians during Lenten Season by visiting at least seven churches.
First Stop: Regina RICA, Tanay Rizal
1st and 2nd Station
Regina RICA (Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia) is a home to the 71 feet tall statue of the Regina Rosarii (Queen of the Holy Rosary) also known as the "Our Lady on Top of the Hill". It was masterfully sculpted by Jose Barcena Jr. on October 2009 and was blessed on March 19, 2010.
The 13.5 hectares of land was being managed by the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii. It is blessed with waterfalls, organic gardens, a creek, endless view of blue skies, gorgeous flowers and greenery and rolling hills. If you visit the place during summer, make sure you bring with you your umbrella.
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| Map of Regina RICA |
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| Pilgrims Orientation Area |
The church is located most likely at the center of the sanctuary overlooking the total land area. It is where we did our 1st and 2nd Station of the Cross. A great place for prayers and meditation.
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| The Church! |
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| Contemplata Aliis Tradere |
Once you reach the topmost area, wherein the statue of Regina Rosarii is situated, you can also visit the labyrinth. I did some few steps but because it was too hot I was not able to reach the center. Also, do not forget to visit the adoration area on the bottom part of the statue, make sure you do not wear shorts and you need to remove your slippers before hitting to the area. They are very strict on the dress code after all they consider that area the most holy place on the sanctuary.
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| Notice, Observe, Wait |
The view on top of the hill is breath taking. You can view the Cordilleras Ranges. There were still some projects that is on-going. Most likely in the years to come, those project will be finished to accommodate more pilgrims. It is such a great place for retreats and healing.
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| On-going Project |
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