The island of Cebu lies in the heart of the Philippine archipelago. It is a mixing bowl of different cultures and traditions. It is an open city which values political, social, and religious diversity.

Although Cebu is the Seat of Christianity in the Philippines, other beliefs and religions thrive in the region. Many believe that this is mainly due to the religious and faithful nature of the Cebuanos.

This week, Hanging Rice takes you to some of the most fascinating religious sites in Cebu.

1

Guadalupe Parish Church

Guadalupe, Cebu City

Houses the image of the Our Lady of Guadalupe of Cebu – Cebu’s Patron Saint. The parish church is also one of the biggest and ‘most populated’ churches in Cebu. It caters to the residents of Guadalupe – the biggest barangay in Cebu City.

2

Cebu Taoist Temple

Lahug, Cebu City

Located in the heart of the posh Beverly Hills Subdivision in Lahug, this towering three-tiered temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. It is open to both worshipers and non-worshipers.

3

Celestial Gardens

Banawa, Cebu City

Perched on the hills of Banawa, the Celestial Gardens is one of Cebu’s most visited religious sites. The Celestial Gardens has a memorial park and Stations of the Cross which span more than two kilometers. Catholics come here in droves during the Holy Week for the traditional prayer of the mysteries.

4

Monastery of St. Benedict

Barangay Corte, Carmen, Cebu

One of the newest religious sites in Cebu, the Monastery of the Benedictine Monks houses the image of the Our Lady of Manaoag. Situated in Baranggay Corte in the hills of Carmen, the monastery offers peace and quiet for introspection and meditation.

5

Shrine of the Our Lady of Miraculous Medal

Bogo City

One of the emerging symbols of the new city of Bogo, the Shrine of the Our Lady of Miraculous Medal is situated on top of a hill overlooking the North National Road. The giant statue, standing on top of a sphere is visible even at night.

6

Langub Church

Guadalupe, Cebu City

The Langub Church in Kalunasan houses the images of the Our Lady of Guadalupe – Cebu’s patron saint. It was in this langub (which means cave,) where the image of the Our Lady of Guadalupe was kept during the Spanish-Filipino conflict. The image was later found by accident by a chicken trapper from Kalunasan named Berto Miñoza.

7

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

Cebu City

The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is the ecclesiastical seat of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cebu. It is currently one of the most visited churches in Metro Cebu. In 2000,  the Holy Door was installed for the celebration of the Jubilee Year of 2000.

8

Cebu City Philippines Temple

Lahug, Cebu City

Fast becoming a landmark in Cebu City, the Cebu City Philippines Temple is the 133rd operating temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint. The temple stands on an 11-acre property in Baranggay Lahug, Cebu CIty.

9

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and Magellan’s Cross

Cebu City

Probably the most famous landmarks in Cebu City, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and the Magellan’s Cross kiosk remain the reminder of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines. The basilica houses the image of Senyor Santo Niño while the kiosk houses the original cross planted by Magellan when he set foot in the Philippines.

10

Monastery of the Holy Eucharist

Lindogon, Sibonga

Undoubtedly the most popular religious site in Cebu in recent years, the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist in Lindogon, Sibonga attracts millions of devotees and visitors every month. The monastery is home to the Marian monks. It features picnic tables for devotees, prayer rooms, giant statues of Virgin Mary, and a gallery of different images of the virgin from different countries.

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