Kawakawa Hill to welcome thousands of visitors this Lenten season

Catholic devotees visit Kawakawa Hill for the Way of the Cross

Thousands of visitors are expected to arrive this Lenten season at Kawakawa Natural Park, Ligao City to experience the natural beauty of the famous hill without a hilltop. Catholic devotees flock to this religious site to practice their faith by praying in the life-size sculpted Stations of the Cross.

Influx of visitors begins with the gathering of students, seminarians, priests, and Catholic devotees to participate in the Youth Way of the Cross held every March. The arrival of thousands of visitors continues as the Holy Week approaches and families reunite for a week-long holiday. 

The pilgrimage begins with the Last Supper at the bottom of hill then continues to the First to Fifth Stations located across the pathway uphill. The Sixth to Thirteenth Stations of the Cross are located around the hill’s crown.

Trekking the hill gives a different kind of experience to the devotees. The fresh and natural beauty of the hill brings peace to the visitors as they commune with God through prayers. 

Aside from the life-size sculpture of the Stations of the Cross, the Divine Mercy Monastery of the Carmelite Nuns is also located at the base of the hill. A Holy Mass is celebrated everyday at the monastery. 

The Thirteen Stations of the Cross at the Kawakawa Hill

The Kawakawa Hill Management headed by Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez provides personnel to guide the visitors in trekking the hill. Refreshments, benches, Nipa huts, and restrooms are provided in the vicinity. The City Government of Ligao headed by Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua also provides security and medical personnel for the safety of visitors. 

Structural improvements were also done for the convenience of the visitors especially children and senior citizens. Concrete pavements and additional pathways were done to ease the trekking. 

There is no entrance fee at the Kawakawa Hill. However, visitors are requested to observe cleanliness and respect the religious sculptures to preserve the beauty of the site. 

Written by Lala Peñafiel