Planning for your Visita Iglesia this week? Consider exploring the Faith Tourism Circuit in Misamis Oriental. Here, you’ll have the chance to visit seven of the province’s most significant churches, each brimming with history and profound religious importance. This circuit presents a special opportunity to enrich your faith and engage in meaningful reflection during this sacred season. Embark on the Visita Iglesia Faith Tourism Circuit for an unforgettable voyage of spiritual discovery.
The circuit commences at the Divine Mercy Shrine (1) in El Salvador City before proceeding to Cagayan de Oro for a stop at the St Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral (2). Following this, embark on a scenic journey along Route 955 to reach Christ the King Shrine (3) in Samay, Gingoog City. Descend towards Gingoog and continue on to Balingoan town to visit Casa Padro Pio (4), then pay homage at the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel (5) in Binuangan town. Experience serenity at the century-old Immaculate Conception Church (6) in Jasaan before concluding the journey back in Cagayan de Oro at the Shrine of the Black Nazarene (7).
1. DIVINE MERCY SHRINE
Ulaliman, El Salvador City
This nine-hectare religious complex was built entirely of donations with the 50-foot statue of Jesus as the Divine Mercy as its centerpiece. Completed in 2008, the shrine complex is a popular pilgrimage site for Divine Mercy devotees.
2. ST AUGUSTINE METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL
Barangay 1, Cagayan de Oro City
St Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral is the ecclesiastical seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. The current church was built after the Second World War after the previous structure was destroyed during the war.
3. CHRIST THE KING ECO-CHAPEL AND STATUE
Samay, Gingoog City
The religious complex has the 75-foot Christ the King Statue as its focal point. It is said to be the tallest of its kind in Asia. Implementation of the masterplan is still ongoing where its construction is funded solely by donations.
4. CASA PADRE PIO PILGRIMAGE INN
Upper Lapinig, Balingoan
This is a bed and breakfast and Catholic retreat facility within the St Padre Pio’s Apostolic Farm. It is operated and managed by the Philippine Madonna House Foundation Inc.
5. ARCHDIOCESAN SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES
Poblacion, Binuangan
The place has been a popular destination among devotees due to its miraculous healing spring water which flows out beside the church.
6. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH
Poblacion, Upper Jasaan
First constructed in 1887, this church was declared by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasure in Northern Mindanao due to its artistic design and cultural values.
7. NAZARENO CHURCH
CM Recto Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City
The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene in Cagayan de Oro hosts the largest annual Traslacion outside of Quiapo Church in Manila.
from Turismo MisOr
