Hello, my Hive friends!
Remember how I shared our awesome trip to the City of Seven Lakes with my high school friends? Well, before all that lakeside fun, we actually had a really special Easter Sunday together as we all went to mass at the National Shrine of Padre Pio in Santo Tomas, Batangas.
Knowing it was about a two-hour drive from where we live, we had to rally early to make sure we arrived in time for the 9 am mass. Visiting this particular shrine during the Visita Iglesia on Holy Week has always been something I've wanted to do, but for one reason or another, the timing just never seemed to align. So, I was happy that we finally made it happen last Easter Sunday, and even better that I got to experience it with my friends.
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As we neared the shrine, it became clear that it's a popular destination. There was a lot of traffic surrounding the parking lot as vehicles tried to get in and out. We patiently waited for a solid thirty minutes before locating our place in the roomy parking lot. It was difficult to wait in the car with small children. Despite the crowd, there was enough of room for everyone, which was a relief.
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The mass itself was a beautiful experience, filled with reflection and a sense of community. Afterward, we took our time exploring the serene grounds of the shrine. We wandered past these charming little stands, and yeah, a few small keepsakes ended up coming home with us to remember the day. Naturally, our phones were out, snapping away to freeze those moments in time with lots of pictures! After that, my family and I found our way to the Light Chapel, where we lit some candles and just had a quiet moment with our thoughts and prayers.
I was honestly surprised by how big the shrine's property is, clearly designed to welcome a large number of mass-goers, devoted pilgrims, and even curious tourists. What struck me most, though, was how relaxing it was to simply walk around the vicinity of the shrine. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and mature trees, creating open areas that are mostly shaded.
Even though it was approaching noon and the summer heat was starting to build, the fresh and surprisingly windy ambience of the area kept us comfortable. It was a lovely contrast to the bustling energy of the arriving crowds. It really felt like a peaceful oasis, a place where you could take a deep breath and feel a sense of calm. It definitely made the early start and the bit of traffic getting in completely worth it.
You know, thinking back on that Easter Sunday at the National Shrine of Padre Pio, it really was the perfect way to kick off our little trip. It gave us a chance to just pause and appreciate things before all the lakeside craziness began. Those moments of reflection and connection with loved ones are what truly make these trips memorable, right?
I'm happy I could share a little bit of that feeling with you!
Thanks for reading and see you again soon!
❤️❤️❤️
All photos are my own, unless stated otherwise.
The lead image was edited using Canva.