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The “Stations of the Cross”, also known as Way of Sorrows or Via Crucis, refers to the prayers and series of images that depict Jesus Christ’s experience on the way to his crucifixion. During the Holy Week (the week when Christians all around the world remember Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection), faithful devotees make a spiritual pilgrimage and contemplate on how Jesus died for everyone’s sins.
Every Good Friday in Cebu, hundreds, if not thousands, of Christians attend these pilgrimages hosted by different places around town. Devotees, who would usually bring along the whole family, go through 14 stations (each representing the 14 Stations of the Cross). During the visit of each station, the devotees recite a prayer then move on to the next station until it’s complete. The following are the most popular places in Cebu for a Via Crucis pilgrimage.
Tabor Hill
Talamban, Cebu City
Tabor Hills located in Talamban, Cebu is named after Mt. Tabor in Israel where it is believed to be the site where Jesus Christ, Moses and Elijah appeared before the apostles.
Talavera House of Prayer
Quiot, Pardo, Cebu
The Talavera House of Prayer located up the mountain of Quiot, Pardo was initially built to facilitate the spiritual growth of students, employees and administrators of the University of San Jose-Recoletos. Now any devotee or pilgrim is welcomed to visit the site for prayers and contemplation.
The Good Shepherd Celestial Gardens
Good Shepherd, Banawa Hills, Cebu
The Good Shepherd Celestial Garden is a cemetery located on Banawa Hills in Cebu City. It is also the most flocked Via Crucis site in Cebu City due to its convenient location in the city.