(Editor’s note: This is part of OpinYon Laguna’s continuing “Pilgrim Watch” series, highlighting historic churches in Laguna that tourists can visit during Holy Week.)
Nestled in the mountains of Luisiana, Laguna is a giant statue of the Virgin Mary which seems to stand guard over the surrounding area.
This is the "Via Rosarii" in Barangay San Antonio, which since 2016 has served as another pilgrimage site for those seeking religious comfort and renewal during the Lenten season.
Though not as large as the famous Montemaria International Pilgrimage and Conference Center in Batangas City, the Via Rosarii (Way of the Rosary) is still a sight to behold to devotees and tourists alike.
Situated along the main road that connects Santa Cruz, Laguna and Lucban, Quezon, the Via Rosarii offers a unique spiritual experience for Catholics this coming Holy Week.
The church and the surrounding site, including the large Marian statue, was constructed in 2016 through the help of the Santuario de Luisiana Association Inc., alongside contributions made by prominent Luisiana families and the Luisiana Natives in Southern California.
Aside from the peace and solitude that the Via Rosarii offers, visitors will also marvel at the beauty of Nature with a breathtaking view of Laguna province, Laguna de Bay and nearby Mount Banahaw from the La Mirada de Maria view deck.
The site itself has four thematic chapels named Nazareth, Bethlehem, Efeso, at Cana, as well as a Marian Gardens and Way of the Cross where pilgrims can meditate and reflect on the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
How to get there
The Via Rosarii pilgrimage site is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visitors pay a P20 maintenance fee for the upkeep of the facilities.
It is situated along the main road from Santa Cruz to Lucban, which makes it a perfect stopover for those going to other pilgrimage areas in Laguna and Quezon such as the "Kamay ni Hesus" Healing Church in Lucban.
For those using public transportation, simply get on a bus or jeepney to Santa Cruz, Laguna, where you can board jeepneys going to Lucban or Lucena City.
For pilgrims coming from Lucena City, one can board a jeepney to Santa Cruz or a bus to Infanta, Quezon, which also passes through Luisiana.
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