Saturday, March 17, 2012

Theotokos Diocesan Shrine

Located on top of a sanctified hill in Barangay Perrelos, Carcar City, Theotokos Diocesan Shrine is one of the many religious Roman Catholic sites in Cebu province. Just like its more famous counterpart, the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist in Simala, Sibonga, the shrine is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and serves as a Marian pilgrim site.

Click the images to enlarge

Date Taken: October 23, 2011
Location: Theotokos Diocesan Shrine, Perrelos, Carcar City, Philippines

The Towering Sign

The Towering Sign

Once you manage to climb up the hill and reach the main gate, you will be seeing this pillar-like structure bearing the shrine’s name and logo. Now, try to look at it without raising your head up. :)

Archangel's Image

Archangel’s Image

There are actually lots of statues inside the shrine, and one of them is this statue of an archangel (which I presume as that of St. Michael Archangel). With the Traveller’s Palm at its background, this life-size image is a magnum opus.

St. Gabriel Archangel

St. Gabriel Archangel

And this is the image of St. Gabriel Archangel! St. Gabriel is known in Catholicism as the messenger of God to the humans.

St. Rafael Archangel

St. Rafael Archangel

Completing the archangels’ statues is that of St. Rafael Archangel. Did you know that St. Rafael (or Raphael), alongside the other two archangels, is not only highly regarded in Catholicism but also in Islam and Judaism as well?

The Holy Family

The Holy Family

Found inside the shrine’s chapel, this cleverly made figure of the Holy Family is nothing but a religious masterpiece. And Baby Jesus is so cute. :)

Religious Face to Face

Religious Face to Face

The first time I saw this, I didn’t immediately recognize that it’s actually Mama Mary and Jesus Christ. Fronting the chapel’s interior, this image is partly enclosed by a glass wall and serves as a praying spot. Beneath it is a sign that says “Do not touch her. She will touch you”. And based on the pic, you can clearly say that I adhered to it. :P

Inside the Adoration Chapel

Inside the Adoration Chapel

The adoration chapel in Theotokos is so hallowed and quiet that it allows you to fully meditate and reach out to God at your utmost focus and emotion.

The Act of Praying

The Act of Praying

Aside from the chapel, the shrine also contains a spot where you can light a candle and pray. This act is known as “dagkot” in Cebuano.

Proofs of Faith

Proofs of Faith

I absolutely enjoy watching lighted candles. Do you?

The Remaining Light

The Remaining Light

I may figuratively describe this one as “the only hope that remains”…

Ave Maria

Ave Maria

This huge image of Virgin Mary is the chief landmark and focal point of Theotokos Diocesan Shrine.

Holy Water Valves

Holy Water Valves

Surrounding the base portion of Virgin Mary’s image are valves, which if turned on, would discharge water that is believed to cleanse one’s soul free from the Seven Deadly Sins. There are seven valves; each of them is a source of holy water intended for a particular deadly sin. Interesting!

Looking Intently at Mama Mary

Looking Intently at Mama Mary

Staring at Mama Mary’s immense figure on a fair day feels so dramatic. God is great, really. And living is cool.

Panoramic View from the Boy Statue

Panoramic View from the Boy Statue

The shrine also offers a scenic view of the coastline of Carcar City and its neighboring municipalities. Cebu Strait is also visible, not to mention the island of Bohol and…the sky. Haha.

Praying Effigy

Praying Effigy

A sculpture of a devout Marian pilgrim…

Seeking Inner Peace

Seeking Inner Peace

Aside from seeking spiritual meditation and religious guidance, Theotokos may also serve as a place for soul-searching, self-reflecting and releasing of emotional stresses.

Statue of the Virgin Mary (Side View)

Statue of the Virgin Mary (Side View)

No matter which angle you try to look at it, the image of Virgin Mary would still look glorious.

The Prayerful Sculptures

The Prayerful Sculptures

At dusk, these sculptures surrounding the Blessed Virgin Mary may spiritually move and catch you in awe.

The Shrine Entrance (as Viewed from the Shrine)

The Shrine Entrance (as Viewed from the Shrine)

Yes, that’s how far the entrance is. But actually, it would only take around 10 to 15 minutes for you to be able to walk from that arch up to the shrine’s main gate.

Them Lofty Angels

Them Lofty Angels

I don’t think these angels have names. But whether they are nameless or not, they can certainly capture your attention with their colorful wings, unique halos and impressive stature. :)

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