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Jesus Christ’s Hands (Kamay ni Hesus) – an Image of Ultimate Devotion

We visited Kamay ni Hesus in 2011. That big statue of Jesus Christ, similar to that one seen in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, is a magnificent wonder. Probably, this hidden place in the province of Quezon is not yet known to the world. Then this post is a good starting point to share it.

 More than 85% of the Filipinos are Catholics. Many are truly devoted. Some are not. This holy place is a place of worship for many Catholics. At about 50 feet tall, this statue of Jesus Christ is a magnificent structure made even more noticeable when placed on the mountain top. About two thousand to three thousand visitors come into this place everyday to pray, to stroll and to witness the beauty and holiness of this man-made mountain park.
On the Photo: A view from the Foot of the Mountain at Lucban, Quezon, Philippines




Kamay ni Hesus
“Kamay ni Hesus” in Lucban, Quezon is proving it all. A structure, a park, a holy place – many believes that it will last for a lifetime.

 On a larger scale, Christianity is all about devotion, an innermost expression of faith. You can read my blog entitled "The Summary of the Filipino People" to get to know more about Filipinos and their religion. Philippines is a country of faith, strong faith. Proven to many religious and political events, there is always an image of Jesus Christ and the cross. They are inseparable. During Holy Week, usually summer months in the Philippines, many devoted Christians are coming here to offer prayers and simply witness the magnificent beauty of this holy place. This is a Christian tradition and it is happening every year.
On the Photo: Crosses and Images View from the Top of the Mountain




This holy place is about two hours travel from the capital city of Manila. Mostly visited every Holy Week, this place which serves as the Catholic church’s commemoration of Jesus Christ’s 40 days of suffering is a Filipino Catholicism's legacy. It can be said that this is the summary of Filipino people's religious inclination.
On the Photo: Statue of "Kamay ni Hesus" at Lucban, Quezon





The Catholic's Holy Place

Here are some more photos taken during our visit. The park is literally in the mountain with plants and trees surrounding it. Climbing the stiff hill is a challenge yet it is somewhat rewarding when you've been to the top.
On the Photos: More of "Kamay ni Hesus" Shrine in Lucban, Quezon




On the Photo: Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

















About Catholicism
Catholicism is hundreds of years religion in the Philippines. It was brought to the Philippines by the Spaniards during the 1600's. Aside from Holy Week, Catholics are celebrating Festivals in the provinces like Ati-Atihan and Dinagyang. Flores de Mayo, Santacruzan, Feast of the Black Nazarene (Pahalik and Traslacion), Christmas, and Feast of various Saints are also held annually on many places in the Philippines. Although against the Catholic Church's rules, traditions like "Pagpapapako sa Krus" (Nailing on the Cross) and "Penetensya" are done during Holy Week on some places. Century old traditions like "Padasal" (Vigil Prayers), "Binyagan"(Baptism rites), and "Pagbasa ng Pasyon" (Singing-Reading of Prayer Books) are in existence up to these days.

I can still recall those days when I was active in the church activities in my home town in Taysan, Batangas. Catholicism has a lot of traditions that reminds people about God. While at the center of everything is our faith in God, participating in these activities can be a matter of choice. But what is obvious, just from the above photos taken at Kamay ni Hesus shrine, is that children and teens are already encouraged to get to know Jesus Christ and what the Catholicism world is all about.

On the Photos: Up Close View of the Statue of Jesus Christ








Respect for all Religions
The reality that Philippines is a Catholic country, or Christian country in some regard, that belief that those sacrifices like climbing hills this high, participating in early masses and processions, and enduring the heat of the sun during "Mahal na Araw" or Holy Week days can do something better for one's life is in many Filipino's mind. But the church leaders have the right explanations on why these structures or holy places, like the Kamay ni Hesus in Quezon, were built. In the religious point of view, these are symbolisms of God's existence, particularly of Jesus Christ - the son of God. Still, our faith or relationship with the Creator will determine our destiny as a human being.

On the Photo: Mama Mary Holding the Bloodied Body of Jesus Christ


As you examine more the culture, traditions, and belief of the Filipinos, you'll get to find out the reality of our faith in God. As the author of this post, I have this respect to all religions. Catholicism is just one of the many interesting subjects when it comes to religion and that being said, I am also eager to know how other religions express their faith in God or in the Gods they believe into. I have this personal belief that there can be no one best or right religion in today's time. The claim of one can be the anger of many. The belief of non-Christians can be the contrary for non-Christians. While I have not dive deeper into the traditions of other religions, what I can see is beauty in many of them.
Respect of religion will stop hatred among us.

Religion-Related Posts
I also recommend that you read these posts that tackles religion.

 The Colorful Stained-Glass Windows and the Beauty We Must See in All Religions

Cebu City - A Must-Visit Place in the Philippines Known as the “Queen City of the South”

 What We Filipinos Believe In

 MONTEMARIA


I consider the Kamay ni Hesus visit an expression of faith, for I believe in God. But I'm honest in saying that I can also see beauty in other religions for they promote God's existence. Anyone is welcome to visit Kamay ni Hesus shrine just like when Christians and Catholics are welcomed in Buddhist temples, Jews synagogue, Muslim mosque, and many other worship houses. Religion is where you want to celebrate or practice your faith with, but it is in your heart and mind where your true devotion really is.
Related Posts

 The Summary of the Filipino People


Christmas is Jesus Christ Mass – Does Holding a Party Makes Sense?
About this Blog
Do you have something to say about this blog post? Give us your comment. Read more our blogs about the Philippines. Project Pilipinas is about the culture, tradition, and life of the Filipinos in the Philippines. This blog exposes both the good and the bad in the Filipinos way of life, leaving a recommendation in the end on how these things can be changed for the good of all.

 This is brought to you by www.knowriel.com - our partner website promoting free education for all.

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Location: Lucban, Philippines

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