Mount Tabor plays a significant part in the Christian faith. It is believed to be the site of the Transfiguration, where Jesus Christ appeared to converse with Moses and Elijah in front of his apostles. The mountain is located in Lower Galilee, Israel.
In Cebu, we also have a mountain commemorating the significance of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. Tabor Hill is a beautiful and solemn place, perfect for the Holy Week. It is located in Talamban, Cebu City. The Millennium Cross, which stands 33 meters high, serves as a beacon to those who wish to reach Tabor Hill. The cross is rooted on the 12th Station of the Cross, which depicts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. There are sixteen (16) stations set up by the Order of the Discalced Augustinians (OAD), which is an Augustinian society that dates back to 1558.
In 1998, the OAD Mission developed the area in order to cater to prayer and meditation, building 16 Stations of the Cross in the process.
source: http://biyahelo.blogspot.com
Many religious pilgrims who are in Cebu during the Holy Week can visit Tabor Hill. In fact, during the Lenten season, the area is flocked by devotees who wish to engage in solemnity and prayer. Visitors are welcomed by a chapel, which also serves as a reception area. Well-paved paths lead to the grottos depicting the passion of Christ. There are also shrines dedicated to Mother Mary and a number of other saints. Since the area is very well-lighted, those who are praying the Stations of the Cross can still do so at night.
According to the OAD, Tabor Hill is also popularly known as a “Marian Hill” because of the various images of Mother Mary found in the area, including a figure of Our Lady of Consolation at the entrance and an image of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Holy Spirit Shrine features a giant dove hovering above the Holy Relics of various Saints from the Augustinian Order. Specifically, these relics are those of St. Augustine of Hippo (which is located at the top left), St. Monica (located at the top right), St. Ezequiel Moreno (at the right side, top), St. Thomas Villanova (below the relics of St. Ezequiel), St. John of Sahagun (at the right side, bottom), St. Rita (at the left side, bottom), St. Nicholas of Tolentine (above the relics of St. Rita), and St. Clare of the Cross of Montefalco (at the left side, top).
The Way of the Cross is beyond the Shrine of the Holy Spirit. St. Rita, the Saint of the Impossible, is celebrated in Tabor Hill. Every Thursday a novena mass in her honor is held at the St. Rita Shrine. The St. Rita multipurpose hall fronts the shrine. There is an Adoration Chapel for those who wish to reflect in a more solemn atmosphere. The OAD Mission has also installed a singing bell and an Upper Room Cenacle, which is where devotees can pray and receive the same experience as the apostles during the Pentecost.
Tabor Hill is always open for prayer and adoration. There are also priests who are available to help you in your spiritual needs. For those who wish to have their own experiences of transfiguration, visit Tabor Hill.
For more information about Tabor Hill and the OAD Mission, visit their official website (http://www.oadasia.com) or contact them through these numbers (032)344-0992 and (032)344-6161.
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