As a result of the stressful consequences caused by the rapid growth of urban centers, peaceful environments where humans can relax, unplug, and reflect are becoming more important than ever. Does your location have one?
Serene Escape in a Metropolitan Setting
Isn't it a city’s responsibility to nurture its residents in terms of its hosted environments? Without the necessary essentials that contribute to their sustainable growth, it's merely impossible for them to thrive in the long run. One crucial factor that determines their success or failure is their urban geography's environmental footprint.
Preferably, there must be a healthy balance between man-made structures and natural habitats (with more emphasis on the latter) within a given region. These rejuvenating spots provide accessible means for people from all walks of life to experience solace in the midst of a city’s noise, chaos, and turmoil. And if these suitable addresses also allow the practice of one’s spiritual beliefs, wouldn't it be much better?
If you happen to be traveling to the Philippine metropolis of Davao, the Shrine Hills is the ideal solution you're searching for. Although it's a religious sanctuary tailored for Roman Catholics, its welcoming doors are still open to everyone regardless of faith. Whether you're planning to fulfill religious duties, join a pilgrimage, seek spiritual therapy, indulge in deep meditation, or just bask in the stillness of nature's serenity, this flourishing urban paradise surely doesn't disappoint.
Ranked as one of Davao City's top tourist attractions, I had the wonderful privilege to personally experience the Shrine Hills one fine sunny day. And while my initial intent was for religious obligations, I was also informed by a friend that this sacred place was a true marvel of environmental architecture and landscape design. It was certainly an interesting trip with a dual agenda that I couldn't resist.
Bearing the official name of “The Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague”, this architectural beauty rests on top of a breathtaking hill overlooking the progressive city of Davao. Upon witnessing its modest entrance gate, I finally arrived at this elevated destination.
Despite the hot weather, a cool gush of wind blew, stroking my sweaty face with a refreshing kiss. Because I had to walk uphill towards the sanctuary’s expansive interior, I was glad that the prevailing breeze helped me in softening the harsh rays of the sun during my climb.
Sacred Site bathed with Nature’s Caress
From that point, it was already obvious that I was entering a natural paradise. Everywhere I glanced, widespread canopies of towering trees provided ample shade below, considerably lowering the current temperature. Ornamental plants of different varieties, neatly trimmed shrubs, and lush flora were also scattered in most areas where fertile soil was present aside from the perimeter fences, pathways, and religious structures constructed separately onsite.
Call it a mini-forest, oversized garden, or botanical park, it was an incredibly energizing world where the vibrant color of green was dominant. This marvelous spectacle included the familiar sight, sound, smell, and touch of wooden textures, brown patches of earth, fallen leaves and twigs, and the occasional presence of white edifices against the stunning backdrop of a cloudy bright blue sky created a harmonious sensual experience for guests. Not to mention, small creatures like birds, pigeons, and harmless insects were also thriving in this micro ecosystem. What a stimulating scene!
In fact, it was absolutely easy to connect with such a magnetizing atmosphere (our innate link to Mother Nature is supposed to be the culprit). Given this conducive setting, it was undeniably the perfect condition to contemplate.
Ideal Atmosphere for Spiritual Healing
Now, let's review the contemporary architecture of Shrine Hills. If you've noticed, most of the buildings inside this sanctuary had a white or related tone, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding greens of foliage, browns of the earth, and blues of the sky. I find this color combination to be the most therapeutic theme for sacred sites and retreats.
After entering its hospitable gates, my eyes were immediately drawn to the little edifice on top of the hill. Called the Chapel of the Holy Infant of Prague, it was the main highlight of this prestigious landmark. From where I stood, the site's terrain slightly sloped upwards ending at the imposing level where the white chapel rested. A curved concrete ramp consisting of shallow steps led visitors closer to the main shrine housing the patron saint.
As I ascended closer to the core chapel, lines of elongated white metal benches were positioned on both sides, designed to accommodate groups of pilgrims for collective venerations such as Eucharistic masses, novenas, or other prayer rallies. These beautiful furniture were installed above concrete steps that were much larger, embedding themselves into the ground’s natural slope. As an outdoor seating area, it was only functional during the early hours of the morning or late periods of the afternoon when the sun's scorching rays won't flood the space with harmful heatwaves.
Entering the roofed inner sanctum of the Chapel of the Holy Infant of Prague, visitors can drop their prayer petitions and thanksgiving, offer gifts like monetary donations on the provided boxes, or simply pay their respects to the golden-framed altar encasing the sacred child also dressed in golden garments.
Situated at its rear section was a tiny white structure used as an auxiliary storage room for cleaning supplies, janitorial tools, and maintenance equipment. Despite its ordinary function, it was still built with an artistic flair.
Although this was the primary chapel of Shrine Hills, there were still other remarkable structures that deserved discovery on this sacred complex. As I walked further under the cool shade of the enormous trees overhead and the allure of bright green grass and lush plants, I noticed another gorgeous white edifice up ahead. It had a more interesting architecture due to the addition of curved archways apart from the typical triangular gable roofs and simple linear profiles found in the rest. This adoration chapel was also provided with outdoor seating furniture, this time they weren't sloping but were basically leveled to the natural ground.
Recognized as the Fatima Chapel, designated boxes for prayer requests and gratitude offerings were also installed aside from the Holy Image of our Lady of Fatima. It was certainly a solemn place where one can truly relax, meditate, and pray.
Up next was the Chapel of the Crucifix which was one of the larger indoor spaces inside the sacred compound.
This worship area had a much more spacious interior and was intentionally designed to accommodate bigger groups of devotees. Like a small Catholic church, it included all the necessary religious paraphernalia like sacred relics, a huge cross, a central altar, and a Eucharistic table to celebrate the Holy Mass.
Nearby, there were designated facilities for more meditative activities, one of which was the candle station for those intending to light and offer candles. And right next to it was a covered hallway hosting the venerated statue of the Traveling Infant and other equally divine figures.
As I explored further into the inner recesses of Shrine Hills, I also encountered a relatively small white structure housing the holy statue of Jesus Christ holding a crucifix. Located inside the Resurrection Chapel, this symbolic presentation was also the chapel’s central altar.
Not too far away were clusters of single-storey buildings that seemed to have no activity at all. To silence my curiosity, I asked a working staff member who was cleaning debris nearby and learned that they were actually the convents and administrative offices of this religious estate. No wonder it was obviously off-limits to the visiting public.
And as I embarked even much deeper into this incredibly vast sanctuary, I came across another large white structure that enclosed several oversized statues of saints. And as the name implies, it was likewise known as the Chapel of the Saints. At first glance, I had the impression that it was some sort of a spiritual museum or artwork gallery but it turned out to be another dedicated chapel for the usual adoration purposes.
Green Environment worthy of Conservation
Wow, this hilly landscape was absolutely humongous! I wasn't expecting it to be really gigantic. Fortunately, there were helpful signboards onsite that guided visitors within this massive complex. Or else it could have been overwhelming. After checking out the majority of their existing buildings for hours, I decided to take a much needed break.
And what better way to do it than to play with the friendly pigeons!
Along the routes, I also discovered this outdoor master plan illustrating an aerial perspective of Shrine Hills. Remember the special chapels and other vital structures I've mentioned earlier? You can clearly pinpoint their exact locations on this visual map by zooming in.
A few organic amenities that could have greatly improved this sanctuary’s overall appeal would be the strategic additions of running water streams, outdoor aquariums or fishponds with exotic aquatic creatures. With their physical presence onsite, the valuable experience of true tranquility could have been escalated to a whole new level.
Nevertheless, the existing landscapes of Shrine Hills still takes my breath away! Doesn't it have a tremendous effect on you too? Just look at the overflowing richness of Mother Nature nestled within this urban habitat. Isn't Davao City simply blessed to be the chosen home of such an impressive environment gifted with both natural marvels and awesome built spaces?
Let me know your thoughts.
But man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitably a war against himself.
RACHEL CARSON
