Basak, Rizal, Maasin City

“When we take one step toward to God, he takes seven steps toward us.”

This may be taking the indian proverb literally, but taking the steps up to Monte Cueva de la Virgen Shrine surely feels like your taking steps closer to heaven.  This diocesan shrine, officially called the Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption and Precious Blood of Jesus, is being managed by by Rev. Fr. Garnette John Quirong, who personally took us on a trip to Monte Cueva.  It is currently a popular pilgrimage site and destinations for tourists visiting Maasin City, which is in the South of Leyte.

Pilgrims take around 400 steps going up the shrine, which pilgrims can take while meditating on the way of the cross.

A quaint little chapel is located inside the cavern, which also houses the image of the Luminous Cross of Grace and our Lady of Fatima.

This statue of genuflecting Christ contains the tabernacle.

Outside the chapel, pilgrims can reflect on the Pieta located on top of the cave’s natural hole that provides the magnificent lighting inside the cave.

Inside the cave, a fixture in the shape of three drops of blood is placed in the hole, representing the Precious Blood of Christ.

The latest addition to the site is a view deck with another image of Mama Mary, which affords a sweeping view of Maasin City.

How to get there?

Take a tricycle from Maasin City going to barangay Rizal, just tell the driver you want to go to Monte Cueva.  Maasin City is the capital city of Southern Leyte.

Also, after Monte Cueva, pilgrims may take another trip to another shrine called Our Lady of the Assumption located atop of another hill.