Sapian Meditation Hills marks 20th anniversary

By Felipe V. Celino

SAPIAN, Capiz — Our Lady of Lourdes Meditation Hills in Sitio Bangkal, Barangay Maninang, Sapian, marked its 20th anniversary and feast day on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.

The celebration opened with a parade, followed by a Mass and the unveiling of religious relics, activities held annually at the site.

Gov. Fredenil Castro attended the celebration with 2nd District Rep. Jane Castro.

The religious site is among Capiz’s pilgrimage destinations, drawing devotees from different parts of the Philippines.

The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto sits at the hill’s peak on property owned by the Villanueva family.

The location repeatedly appeared in the dreams of Atty. Jose O. Villanueva, inspiring him to build the grotto atop giant boulders, rocks and stones “as if placed and arranged one over the other by an unexplainable force.”

The site offers a quiet setting with resting areas, umbrellas and shaded structures made from indigenous materials, and bamboo and wooden benches placed along the paths.