The name
Baguio conjures a highland retreat full of pine trees, blooming flowers, crisp
cold breeze and foggy hills. Located
in the Grand Cordillera in Northern Luzon, it is one of the most highly urbanized
cities in the country and continues to lure many investments and business
opportunities. It is also one of the premiere
tourist destinations in the country as both local and foreign tourists flock
there to bask in its cool climate and panoramic views, visit tourist spots and
immerse themselves in the city’s rich and diverse culture.
Unknown
to most though, Baguio is also a great place to visit for those seeking
serenity and tranquility. If you are one
of those who need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life or searching
for some spiritual guidance, here are a few places of prayer and meditation
that you can visit when in Baguio.
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Lourdes Grotto
The
Lourdes Grotto in Mirador Hill, is a very popular place of prayer in the City
if Pines. It was built to commemorate
the numerous visions of the Virgin Mary by Bernadette Soubirous, a poor French
girl in Lourdes, France. The visions
happened in February to July 1858 and were later declared to be authentic by
the Pope in 1862.
When my
friends and I visited Baguio, the shrine was on the top of our itinerary as we
wanted to pray for a safe tour of the beautiful city. Located in a high hill, we
had to conquer the daunting 252 steps in order to get to the image of the Lady
of Lourdes. This challenging journey to
the top only made our meditation more meaningful. For those who are unable to climb, the grotto
can be accessed by driving a vehicle through a steep, winding, narrow road. Some vendors at the shrine also offer their
services by lighting a candle and saying a prayer for you.
Bell Church
Located
in the border between Baguio and La Trinidad, Benguet is the Bell Church, a
place of prayer and worship for Buddhists and Taoists. It bears some similarities with Cebu’s Taoist
Temple, and provides a serene atmosphere, perfect for meditation. Through the temple’s many features, one will
learn a lot about the history and culture of the Chinese people.
At the
entrance, one will be greeted by two dragon structures and a Taoist leader who
can predict future events. One may also
throw coins in its wishing pond, and make a wish or two. Once inside the temple’s compound, visitors
are bound to be impressed by the attractive pagodas and bells and other
structures that are inherent in the oriental culture. Inside the temple are artifacts and Taoist
gods, and a collection of books and other literature that mirrors the religious
traditions and beliefs of Taoists and Buddhists.
The
temple’s verdant and beautifully landscaped gardens offer serenity for those
who want to spend some quiet time alone or with loved ones. A wonderful place for reflection.
Pink Sisters’ Convent
Also
called the Adoration Convent of the Divine Mercy, this simple place of worship
is located in Brent Road, near Brent International School, a more upscale area
of the city. The convent has a church
where you can meditate or hear mass. The place offers the solemnity needed for praying
for one’s personal intentions.
Having a
separate area in the church, the Pink Sisters do not mingle with the
churchgoers. However, visitors may write
their petitions on a piece of paper so that the nuns will pray for them.
There are many more churches and retreat houses in
Baguio where one can go pray and do some soul searching. So when in the Summer Capital of the
Philippines, besides doing the usual shopping and sightseeing, it would also be
nice to spend some quiet time with God and strengthen one’s relationship with
Him.
(Photo credits: ZoomandGo.com and
pinoytravelblog.com)
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