LUCBAN, Quezon — When you talk of Lucban these days, its colorful Pahiyas Festival and delectable longganisang Lucban and pancit habhab are no longer the only things residents here are proud of.

The Lucbanons — including Quezon Gov. Wilfrido Enverga himself — have added the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church in their list of famous landmarks and communal pride since its inauguration on May 13, 2004.

Located at Barangay Tinamnan near the mystical Mt. Banahaw, the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church has become the country’s new mecca for the sick (physically, spiritually, mentally).

At the church’s backdrop is a steep hill transformed into a picturesque Via Dolorosa Grotto of Healing and Purification, all of 292 steps, leading to a 50-foot statue of the Ascending Christ — the third biggest in the world that can be seen miles away.

Every day, thousands of faithful — many of them in crutches and wheelchairs — flock to the place searching for miracle and spiritual strength.

The recorded testimonies from people who experienced healing from cancer, paralysis and even deliverance from the evil spirit have been featured by major TV networks and publications in the Philippines.

Among those healed was seasoned actress Sandy Andolong, who was miraculously healed of all her ailments — among them kidney maladies, inflamed uterus and lacerations in her large intestines — that needed delicate operations before she met Fr. Joey.

“It’s really the faith of a person that heals him or her,” says Fr. Joseph “Joey” Faller, founder and spiritual director of the healing church. “God never fails a believer’s heart. I’m just an instrument here who guides anyone who seeks to be healed.”

Fr. Joey, spiritual director of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Philippines, visualized the church in 2002 to give the sick and the spiritually weak a haven where they could feel and experience the presence of God.

The creation of the church-cum-healing center was not only approved by Bishop Ruben Profugo, he even offered a piece of land where it is standing now.

Fr. Joey wasted no time and launched a fund raising campaign throughout the Philippines and abroad. It brought him to the United States, where he has been conducting healing masses for a decade now upon the invitation of charismatic groups. He is again planning to visit the New York-New Jersey area this August for a series of healing masses.

The complete construction of the grotto, including the life-size statues of the 14 Stations of the Cross, was footed by the wealthy family of Benito Brizuela, a trustee of the Kamay ni Hesus Ministry Foundation and whom Fr. Joey healed after a major heart attack and stroke.

Today, the Grotto of Healing and Purification stands as one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Lucban, where the faithful can come to meditate and pray. From atop the hill, the faithful can experience not only the sanctity of the place but the breathtaking view of Lucban as well.

Local residents said the arrival of Fr. Joey and the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church only invigorated the business and tourism activities in Lucban.

“Hindi lang business and dinala dito ni Father, pati spiritual renewal ng mga tao (Fr. Joey did not only bring business here, he also brought spiritual renewal among the people),” said Mang Ambo, a tricycle driver who brings visitors back and forth to bus stations and healing center.

Fr. Joey, who belongs to an affluent family of medical practitioners, was ordained as priest in 1989 after finishing AB Philosophy (summa cum laude) at St. Francis Seminary in Lipa, Batangas. He later studied theology at the same seminary and graduated magna cum laude. He was immediately involved in healing ministry. Although people were healed by his prayers, Fr. Joey had doubts and reservations whether healing ministry was for him.

A vehicular accident in Santo Tomas, Batangas on April 8, 1994 permanently damaged the ulnar nerve of Fr. Joey’s right hand, paralyzing two of his fingers.

It was after a long and slow recovery that he realized that his hand resembled the hand of the resurrected Christ and the Sto. Niño. He took it as a sign and stayed with the healing ministry.

Patio Rizal Hotel

After hours of spiritual journey at the healing center, balikbayans and out-of-towners can relax or stay overnight at Patio Rizal Hotel, a surprisingly elegant hotel that offers great food and dining and cozy ambiance (tel. 042-540-2107).

Within walking distance from the healing church, Patio Rizal offers a superb treat — as low as P1,000 ($18) for a standard room, with complete amenities and complimentary breakfast for two at its Alejo Bar and Restaurant.

Here, guests can enjoy the best in Lucban’s food and delicacies at cheap rates, including the native chorizo (longganisang Lucban).

Around Lucban, nature lovers can enjoy the crystal spring waters of Ulbok, Patio Rizal’s secret hideaway; the Batis Aramin Hotel Resort; the Kamayan sa Palaisdaan, where diners eat in the middle of fish ponds; the Marcos Tigla Park; the Caprichosa Park; the Rizal Park (formerly Plaza dela Revolution); the scenic Mt. Banahaw; or visit the Lucban Church and the Church of Saint Louis of Toulouse.

For complete schedule of his healing masses, e-mail Fr. Joey at fjoey36@yahoo.com , visit his website at www.frjoeyfaller.net or call his office in Lucban at (011-6342) 540-3085 or 0917-853-6267.

The grotto is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.