Stations of the Cross at Celestial Gardens, Cebu City

This year, I am proud to say I justifiably observed Good Friday as I managed to participate in the “Stations of the Cross” (also known as “Via Crucis” or “Way of the Cross”), a Catholic practice remembering the Passion of Jesus Christ.

My legs (plus my faith) really did their best as I walked, together with my friends, from the first up to the last fourteenth station. The trek was not that easy because aside from the scorching weather, the place, which is officially called Celestial Gardens, was situated on some limestone hills in uptown Cebu City. Most locals though are familiar of it with the name “Good Shepherd” (originated from the religious congregation “Good Shepherd Sisters” which is based in the said area as well).

Click the images to enlarge

Date Taken: April 6, 2012
Location: Celestial Gardens, Cebu City, Philippines

The Gateway to Celestial Gardens

This is where we began our journey…Well, not really because we walked a kilometer or two prior to reaching this landmark (LOL). Celestial Gardens actually serves as a memorial park; or without the euphemism, a cemetery…a beautiful one. As engraved on the top portion of the gateway, the place is owned and managed by Tanchan Foundation, Inc.

Images Depicting the Sorrowful Mysteries

Few steps from the gateway, you’ll be seeing these collection of statues portraying the Sorrowful Mysteries. That includes the Agony in the Garden, Scourging at the Pillar and Crowning with Thorns.

Station #1: Jesus Is Condemned to Death

Some devotees offer flowers to the statues as they do the Via Crucis. And don’t ever think it’s a form of idolatry. We Catholics only treat these images as representations of who we truly worship (that’s God and other religious entities). Hence, we don’t really worship the images themselves.

Station #2: Jesus Accepts the Cross

Now let me digress for a while. See those blue tarpaulins beside the statues? Those are the temporary shelters of vendors purveying goods like bottled water, snacks, candles; even rosaries and rosary guides. I wonder where will they be in regular days… Life’s tough. :(

Station #3: Jesus Falls the First Time

Seeing images like this really makes me feel how bad Jesus Christ underwent in the hands of His persecutors…

Station #4: Jesus Meets His Mother

This scene would have been great if that green plastic bottle wasn’t present. Some visitors, unfortunately, don’t know how to practice simple acts like throwing garbage in the right place. :(

Station #5: Simon of Cyrene Carries the Cross

Ooops…another bottle. This time it’s red. Perhaps I should consider it as a candleholder. <Cleanliness is next to godliness.>

Station #6: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

And if I may add, the place is actually fairly vegetated, with various types of plants visible as you go along the way. The most common of them is the Plumeria (well-known as calachuchi), a shrub bearing yellowish, white or pinkish flowers.

Station #7: Jesus Falls the Second Time

Some stations have empty or water-filled tin containers (seen at the bottom-left portion of the picture) that serve as spots for lighting candles. Such containers have metallic mesh on top of them which holds the candles. The act of kindling candles is locally known as dagkot.

Station #8: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

I wonder why this station is fenced and the others are not… It’s probably special…

Station #9: Jesus Falls the Third Time

Observe this photo and you’ll know how it feels like doing the Way of the Cross in Celestial Gardens. You better be challenged. :)

Sculptures between Stations IX and X

This would have been really cool had it been that the horse had its tail and vandalism wasn’t committed. Maintenance please…

Station #10: Jesus Is Stripped Off His Garments

You may get to see kids playing the statues. Just don’t’ bother them. After all, they’re kids. Some of them actually don’t play but sell goods for a living. Try buying on them.

Station #11: Jesus Is Nailed to the Cross

By seeing the background, you might assume the place is surrounded by residential lots. Guess what…you’re right!

Station #12: Jesus Dies on the Cross

Some households treat the Lent as an opportunity of making business by selling goods. Some does the large-scale—I’m talking about putting up an eatery (as what you see at the upper right part of the pic). BTW, this station is one of my faves. A masterpiece, I must say.

Station #13: Jesus’ Body Is Removed from the Cross

Probably the most moving of all stations. I mean, look at the view…

Devotees at the End of Via Crucis

And we’re about to reach the last station! This time, a surge of people could be witnessed. This is due to the fact that most of them leave a little longer to pray or to offer, or even to touch the images at the 14th station. I guess all we had to do is wait…

Station #14: Jesus Is Laid in the Tomb and Covered in Incense

The last and most crowded of all 14 stations. Here, devotees may offer something (usually money) upon the completion of the Via Crucis. Personally, reaching this spot is quite fulfilling as it proves how strong your faith is, and how willing you are to struggle for God and whatever you believe in.

The Cityscape from the Celestial Gardens

Ladies and gentlemen, be amazed by the breathtaking view of downtown Cebu City on a clear, blessed day!