Construction of Mindanao’s pilgrimage site underway

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A Catholic group here is converting a 9.8-hectare site in neighboring Misamis Oriental into a religious pilgrimage site.

In an interview with Divine Mercy Foundation Philippines Inc. founding president Guerrero Adaza at the site the other day in Barangay PSB-Ulaliman, El Salvador, she said shrine was the result of a "divine vision" of one of their members, Agustina Tante, on April 18, 2001, which was also the Feast of the Divine Mercy.

Adaza said they have been scouting for several places in northern Mindanao since then but it was not until a year later in 2002 when they found the most suitable place – four parcels of contiguous land overlooking Macajalar Bay in Barangay PSB-Ulaliman.

Adaza recounted to The STAR how the group raised P8.5 million to bankroll the seven-year-project.

"Even with the cost of labor and materials, financial blessings are continually forthcoming," she said.

A 50-foot statue will be the highlight of the pilgrimage site. Today, it is 80 percent complete and its grand blessing is scheduled on the first week of May. Among its features is a dipping chamber filled with water which the Adazas claimed to be miraculous.