The Divine Mercy Shrine of El Salvador, Misamis Oriental has become one
of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the Philippines. Pilgrims come to the
shrine to pray, attend masses, make confession, make spiritual retreat or healing
petition, and attend important religious occasions such as the Holy Week, the
Feast of the Divine Mercy and the birthday of Mama Mary or the Virgin Mary, the
mother of Jesus Christ.
The shrine is situated on a 9-hectare Divine Mercy Hill in Barangay
Ulaliman, El Salvador City. The main feature of the shrine is the statue of Jesus
Christ. The statue was made in accordance with Mother Faustina Kowalska’s
description of the Divine Mercy who is Jesus Christ who appeared to her
in dreams. The 50-foot tall statue overlooks Macajalar Bay and awes visitors and
pilgrims with its imposing size. Over the head of the statue is a halo. The
right hand is raised in blessing while the left is placed on the breast which
flows forth two rays. In the “rays” are stairs leading to the
chamber of the Sacred Heart where devotees can make their petition to God. The ones
in the right go up into the chamber while the others in the left descend into
the ground. A well manicured garden adorns the sloping ground in front of the
statue. And right below it is a huge lawn where devotees can gather to attend
mass that is held in the open during special religious occasions. Devotees are
required to dress modestly while inside the shrine premises. Female devotees
are required to wear long skirt. Those without it are given one upon their
entry into the shrine. Another important feature of the shrine is the almost
completed church that is oval in shape and is spacious. On the outside at the edge of the roof is crown of thorns adornment that encircles the church.
Following pictures were taken during the birthday of Mama Mary on September 8, 2014 at Divine Mercy Shrine, El Salvador Misamis Oriental.
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