Redemptorist Church Grounds, An Urban Green Lung in Cebu

Sustainable Use of Spaces & Cebu's Urban Green Lungs

main entrance

What comes to mind when one thinks of the Redemptorist Church?

Masses, novenas, yearly fiesta and processions,

Fr. Rudy Romano and his disappearance,

Intelligent priests, Irish fathers,

Meaningful but concise sermons,

Ms. Ybanez & Jesuit songs,

Proximity to STC,

 & the obligatory First Friday mass...

Homeless families,

Motley crew of terroristic vendors,

Extortionists watch your car boys,

Horrible traffic during school hours and wednesdays...

altar

back of church stain glass

I can go on and on...

I have to stop now before I turn too negative...

near STC

Of course, the Redemptorist Church is all that...

But, it is also one of Cebu's Urban Green Lungs.

behind stc

What is a Green Lung?

A parkland near the city,

an open space where there are trees and plants,

where people can enjoy a healthier environment,

and engage in different healthy activities,

like walking, exercising, socializing, meditating...

elizabeth pond road

It is a place where one can breathe fresh air,

feel the positive energy of the trees,

bask in the tranquility of nature,

commune with God

and experience his power as the Creator 

and  the Supreme Being.

parking area

Normally, a green lung is a public park.

But since parks are a scarcity in Cebu,

I am on a mission 

to find alternative green lungs in Cebu.

magnificent acacia tree

So, first on my list is the Redemptorist Church Grounds...

When I was young,

my dad would purposely drive us by the area,

just to feel the cool breeze.

He said that if one whistles,

it stirs a breeze. 

Perhaps it is true,

maybe it is my untarnished naivete,

or  perhaps it is my way of remembering 

treasured moments with my father,

but everytime I go to the Redemptorist Church

and do my traditional whistle,

a cool breeze always comes.

big mango tree

seminary grounds

at the St. Alphonsus seminary entrance

So, next time you are at the Redemptorist Church,

try your luck at whistling for a breeze,

maybe God will send you one,

and let you experience his presence in Nature.

The best time to enjoy the Redemptorist Green Lung

is after the 7am mass,

the air is still crisp and cool...

But anytime is good,

just don't go there after dark,

coz it is not safe.

Good Luck!

my 74 year old mom doing her morning walk