Monte Cueva – a Place of Worship Deep Inside a Mountain Cave

MONTE CUEVA

Photo from: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/76461/maasin-shrines-lure-marian-devotees

Also known as the Shrine of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus and Our Lady of Assumption, this is a famous spot especially on Holy Week and on the Blessed Virgin Mary’s birthday on September 8. Quite famous for pilgrims, this climb of more than 500 steps upward is accentuated with the 14 Stations of the Cross.

Exhausting as it may seem, the journey uphill becomes rewarding enough once you reach the top and be welcomed by the awesome mouth of the cave. Masses are held there on schedule and on special occasions. Read More: http://travel-licious.blogspot.com/2012/04/monte-cueva-de-la-virgen.html

Photo from: http://www.akrosdayunibers.com/philippines/southern-leyte-travel-blog-a-visit-to-sogod-limasawa-island-and-maasin

“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. Read More: https://marianpilgrim.wordpress.com/2011/02/28/hello-world/

Photo from: http://www.bisayatraveler.com/2016/09/13/monte-cueva-a-magnificent-cave-chapel-in-maasin-leyte/

“Monte Cueva” literally means ‘mountain cave’. But it’s not just an ordinary kind of cave up in the mountain in Brgy. Rizal, Maasin, Southern Leyte. Inside the cave is the shrine of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus and Our Lady of the Assumption.

This place was donated by Odong and Loring Chung to the Diocese of Maasin and was then developed to have a quaint chapel inside the natural cave and it has been drawing pilgrims over the years especially during the lenten season. The first mass was held way back in 1999 but the big statue of Mama Mary on this site was built in 1992.

To this date, masses are held at these schedules:

Wednesday: 6:00 pm
Friday :   6:00 pm
Saturday :    10:00 am
Sunday   :     10:00 am

Just to set proper expectations, this place is not for people who fear heights and has wobbly feet. Elevated at 172 meters above sea level, you need to conquer 550 steep zigzag stairway to reach the hidden treasure. The exit way is easier though, at only 300 steps. Good thing this place is abundant with trees, at least you’re assured of fresh air and shade even when the sun is up and shining. To make your climb more worthwhile, you can meditate on the stations of the cross or offer your sacrifice for a particular intention. Read More: https://restlesssole.wordpress.com/2016/02/16/monte-cueva-maasin-southern-leyte/