One of the prominent gardens in Cebu City, the Banawa Celestial Garden is most visited by Cebuanos and Roman Catholics during the Lenten Season. The gardens, which is actually a memorial park, is set on 12 hectares of rolling hills that is famous for their life-size statues depicting the passion of Christ.

It was on a Maundy Thursday when I visited the Banawa Celestial Garden. Left home alone because I wasn’t able to secure a ticket going to my province in Leyte, I got curious about the garden when it was flashed on the television.

Motorcycles waiting at the corner of the main road.

Banawa Celestial Garden

It is accessible by public transportation like jeepneys and taxicab. Take note that when asking for directions, it is easy to refer to the place as Good Shepherds Road. If you don’t have a private vehicle, there are lots of motorcycles that will take you to the gardens which is around a 5-minute ride from the main road.

At the entrance, you will be greeted by a grandiose arch.

There are vendors selling prayer books and guides outside if you don’t have one. Mostly, people come in groups and have a prayer leader that will guide throughout the stations of the cross. Since I was flying solo, I joined a group that brought a loud speaker and hanged with them until the 14th station.

Starting point of the Stations

A loud speaker used by one group

Opening Prayer

1st Station: Jesus is condemned to death

2nd Station: Jesus carries His cross

3rd Station: Jesus falls the first time

4th Station: Jesus meets his mother

5th Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross

6th Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

7th Station: Jesus falls the second time

The stations are situated at different parts of the hills so you’ll be walking up and down. There are plenty of plants and trees around the area for some shade .

The road walks up to the hill

8th Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

9th Station: Jesus falls a third time

10th Station: Jesus clothes are taken away

11th Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross

12th Station: Jesus dies on the cross

13th Station: The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross

14th Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb

It was around 11:30 in the morning when I finished the way of the cross and it was scorching hot above the hill. Somehow it was part of the sacrifice you have to endure but don’t forget to hydrate yourself. There were hundreds of people in the area though I believe there will be thousands late in the afternoon especially on a Good Friday.

A memorial garden or cemetery a top the hill

A big statue in the middle of the hill

The Banawa Celestial Garden is a perfect place for praying and meditating  during the Holy Week. The peaceful panoramic view of the mountains, skies and the Cebu City skyline is nothing less than spectacular. I will surely visit this garden at its peak on a Good Friday next time. Have you experienced the Way of the Cross in the Celestial Garden? 🙂

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