Kamay ni Hesus: Lucban's Iconic Pilgrimage Site

For many Filipino Christians, a pilgrimage to the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is an experience that enriches their relationship with God. It is therefore not a surprise that in 2018 more than 2 million devotees visited and made it the Philippines' most popular Holy Week pilgrimage site. While in Lucban, we couldn't let the chance to visit this sought-after sanctuary slip by. So a day after we checked out Villa Elma, we set out to Barangay Tinamnan to see the shrine. 

The iconic 50-foot statue of the Risen Christ in Kamay ni Hesus

From Lucban town proper, we drove for just under 15 minutes to reach the gates of Kamay ni Hesus. We came inside and was surprised to find out the entrance to the site is free of charge. However, if you are bringing your car just like us, prepare PHP30 for the parking fees.

We parked near the souvenir shops that line the road leading to the shrine. Setting off towards its iconic feature, the Via Dolorosa Grotto, we walked past a food court and several snack bars before seeing the Healing Church. 

Noah's Cafeteria

The church is host to healing masses celebrated by Father Joey Faller. With stories of people being miraculously healed on-site, the crowds came and multiplied. Now, the healing masses are scheduled regularly every Wednesday and Saturday at 9:30AM and every Sunday at 3:00PM. 

The Healing Church as seen from the hill

We decided to skip the church as there was no mass during our visit. We then walked the short way to the base of the hill which is the starting point of the Via Dolorosa Grotto. At the entrance, we noticed that the ascending pathway is separate from the descent. This probably helps in organizing crowd movement especially that the site is receiving millions of visitors annually.

The 300-step Via Dolorosa Grotto

Scaling the grotto one way takes about 300 steps. The thought of climbing that many steps made us want to back out but we remembered we had to go through the same in Villa Elma. We started climbing, zigzagging our way up and across the pathways carved into the hillside. The trail is marked with the life-size sculptures of the Stations of the Cross telling the story of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. 

First Station: The Last Supper

Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus

The journey was physically challenging but at the same time fulfilling since we were rewarded with the opportunity to touch and pray at the shrine's most impressive statue, the 50-foot Risen Christ. And we got to enjoy sweeping views of Lucban from above.

Sweeping views of Lucban can be seen from the grotto's summit

After some moments of reflection at the summit, we started our descent from the grotto. At the base, we found ourselves at another attraction, the Garden of Eden. This area was later added to address the need for a longer experience for the pilgrims. Here, we saw other biblical personalities like Adam, Eve, Abraham, and Moses. 

Entrance to the Garden of Eden

However, the most prominent feature of the garden that we saw was a replica of Noah's Ark and different animal sculptures. We learned that the ark is not just an imposing structure in the garden but also a sanctuary for the spiritually weak as it serves as a retreat house and a place dedicated for prayer and meditation.

Noah's Ark House of Prayer and Spirituality

After completing the Via Dolorosa and visiting the Garden of Eden, we were not sure what to do next. We flitted about the complex for a few more minutes before deciding to go back to the parking lot to end our visit to Kamay ni Hesus. 

Know Before You Go:

• The entrance to Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is located along the Lucban-Tayabas Road in Barangay Tinamnan, Lucban, Quezon.
• Kamay ni Hesus was constructed in 2002 and became operational in 2004. Over the years, crowds came and multiplied making it the country's most visited pilgrimage site. 
• It covers an area of 5 hectares complete with religious structures, a retreat center, gardens, food outlets, and souvenir shops. 
• Admission is free for all visitors.
• Kamay ni Hesus also has an accommodation facility within Noah's Ark. There are 21 air-conditioned rooms available for pilgrims and overnight visitors. Rates start at PHP800 per person. Email noaharks@kamaynihesus.ph or call +63 42 540 2206 local 103 for reservations and inquiries. 

  
Also read: 
Lucban: A Travel Guide for First Timers
Villa Elma: A Beautiful Pilgrimage Site
Cooling Down in Lucban's Batis Aramin Resort

Are you planning a visit to Kamay ni Hesus? Leave your questions below and we'll try to help out. If you find this useful, please share on social media. Thanks!