Photo source: Shrine of the Holy Family of Nazareth
Throughout Holy Week, Catholic devotees go on a religious journey or crusade by following the way of the cross or stations of the cross. This is a form of sacrifice wherein Catholics take part in 14-step devotion following Jesus Christ’s sufferings; to pay homage to His last day of on Earth as a man.
The Stations of the Cross are normally illustrated in small images around the churches and chapels. However, during the Lenten season, there is a place in the north of Cebu that can be visited by those who choose to be with God rather than anywhere else.
Experience a unique spiritual journey in the House of the Holy Family of Nazareth. A labor of love, founded by Rev. Fr. Onie Rosario in thanksgiving to God for the many blessings that he and his family have received. Situated at the northernmost tip of Cebu the Municipality of Daanbantayan.
The sacred place gives prominence to the Pilgrimage Hill and stairs leading to it which takes 200 steps, as well as the 14 Stations of the Cross. The stairs will lead you to the Holy Cross at the highest point of the shrine. This is a place intended for all of us, for the strengthening of our faith and for the peace between all of us and of the whole world!
Participating in the Stations or Way of the Cross is a gratifying experience – which means that when you do it you can gain an indulgence. The good thing about this is that you will gain Plenary Indulgence when doing the Stations of the Cross. This, provided that you meet the three conditions or 3 C’s – Confession, Communion, and Concord with the intentions of the Holy Father. Otherwise, you can only gain Partial Indulgence.
The House of the Holy Family of Nazareth is a sacred and holy place. Therefore, the establishment asks visitors and pilgrims to treat it with the utmost respect. And to be silent when taking photos or talking with one another. So as not to disturb the other people who are praying.
Also when you visit, please remember to bring an umbrella or wear hats for protection against the sun or when it rains. Also keep yourself full, hydrated and wear light and comfortable appropriate/ modest clothes.
READ: Pilgrimage Sites Around Cebu City
You don’t need to pay any entrance fee when you want to go inside the House of Holy Family of Nazareth for it’s intended to be free for everyone. However, there’s a way for you to help the maintenance and improvement of the place. You can buy items inside the compound of the hill such as souvenirs, food, etc.
How wonderful it is that we have this place in Cebu, to be able to pray in the hill of the House of the Holy Family of Nazareth. In praying and visiting the Stations of the Cross, we hope you would imagine yourselves walking with Jesus on this journey. Also, hopefully, you get to reflect on the things going on in your lives today. May you repent on your sins, learn and be better.
READ: Stations of the Cross Sites Around Cebu Province
The House of Holy Family of Nazareth is located in Sitio Nazareth, Brgy. Paypay, Daanbantayan, Cebu. Open from 8 AM – 8 PM Daily. No Entrance Fee.
The best way to get to the shrine is through a private or rental car. Just search “Holy Family Shrine of Nazareth” on Google Maps or Waze and follow the directions. The place is about 127 KM from Cebu City and the travel time may take up to 3 hours.
For more information and updates on the shrine, follow their Facebook Page – Shrine of the Holy Family of Nazareth. You may send your inquiries there or email them through [email protected]