It is a week-long solemn contemplation on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus, like attending the mass during Maundy Thursday and joing the procession on Holy Friday.
There is one place in the southern part of Iloilo – in San Juaquin that is a haven for Catholics who would like to meditate on Jesus’ passion during the holy week, in a more solemn manner within a lush greenery on a hill, about the height of a 10-storey building.
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| The Garin Farm Pilgrimage Hill, about the height of a 10-storey building can be accessed after climbing about 450 steps. |
We climbed the 450-step Garin Pilgrimage Hill leading to the big white cross.
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| Is this what heaven looks like? |
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| Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden: the origin of humanity |
Our experience was made more meaningful because as we entered this part, the white surroundings are so strikingly hurtful to the eyes. I can really feel that it is like heaven, as the way I watched it in the movies. But as we went downstairs, I realized, it was just an optical illusion.
Aside from the heavenly spectacle, the hill features life-sized installation of biblical scenes which devotees can visit while climbing upstairs. We dropped by all these attractions and said short prayers for each.
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| Jesus was welcomed in Jerusalem in this Palm Sunday scene |
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| A loving son spends his final meal with the disciples. |
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| The son of God prays and accepts his fate at the Garden of Gethsemane. |
Our one-day tour of the Garin Farm was enriching and meaningful, truly fitting occassion to meditate Jesus’ suffering and his eventual ascension to heaven.
What do you do with the palm leaves once you get them blessed? The white Garin hill at the end of the tunnel is beautiful!
thanks for the comment, Papa Jack
The blessed palm leaves are brought to the house and placed in the house' altar.
Indeed, w are, especially so because it was a family trip.
Yes, actually we are planning to be back next year and we will stay in their hotel for a day or two so we can enjoy the other fun activities that they have.
Garin Farm is clearly a special place. I'd never heard of it before so I appreciate all of the detail you offered here.
Definitely something to consider doing next year when hopefully, this virus thing is just a thing of the past.
wow! looks like so much fun! I wish I could something like that soon
This place surely looks like a lot of fun.
Looks like a beautiful place to visit and seems you had a blast with your family.
This place seems really like a heaven ….I hope to visit this place someday in my life 🙂
The pictures are absolutely awesome. It is pretty obvious you had an awesome time with your trip. I am quite jealous actually.
This is one of the amazing place to visit this Holy Week. But due to quarantine we wont be able to visit at this time. Virtual visit muna daw. Thanks for posting this at least we will still have the feel.
I wonderhow these places would be now that we have all the ECQ in place.
these photos looks just amazing…… The place seems to be very peaceful…….
these photos looks just amazing…… The place seems to be very peaceful…….
Wow, this is awesome. Very interesting. You really detailed everything. Thanks for sharing
So many places to visit and to learn from. This is a grate way to enrich our lives.
This place looks peaceful and worth visiting, especially in Holy Week.
This looks like such a fun and amazing place! I would love to visit someday.
It was lovely to read about your travel experience to Garin Pilgrimage Hill
This place looks so peaceful and right now I really need some place like this.
This looks like such a wonderful and peaceful place!
This place is worth visiting with families. I enjoyed seeing all your photos.
This place looks amazing. I would like to visit once after COVID – 19
What a wonderful place to visit!! Thank you for sharing!
[…] Farm / We had a unique experience visiting Garin Farm. It was both recreational and spiritual. You will surely like this place if you are a nature […]