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Many are always looking for fascinating religious monuments to visit abroad. However, the people of Cagayan de Oro do not have to go anywhere outside the country just to behold an awe-inspiring religious site, for there is the Statue of the Divine Mercy.This gigantic statue of Jesus Christ stands an overwhelming 50 feet and is perhaps the most remarkable monument in Mindanao. And what a place for this grand statue to rise – El Salvador – the town that was named after the savior of the world, Jesus Christ.
Although, technically, El Salvador lies outside Cagayan de Oro, it’s located just a few minutes away from the city limits.
The site is situated on a hilltop, but is easily accessible because of the cemented roads. If travelling by public transportation, you will meet motorcycles or “habal-habals” along the highway, and these will take you to the place.
It was the local intercessory prayer group of the Divine Mercy Foundation that conceptualized the construction of this holy place of pilgrimage. They received a message from the Lord, which was to build His Church of Mercy with an image of the Lord standing on top of a hill overlooking the ocean. In 2008, once the monument was finished, it was then turned over to the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro on the Blessed Virgin’s birthday, September 8.
Privately funded, this project is the tallest Divine Mercy statue in the world. The main man responsible for designing and creating the giant sculpture is Nick Reyes, a sculptor and UP Fine Arts graduate.
Situated within the center of the heart of Christ is a chamber devotees can climb up to using the stairs that lead to it. The stairway is actually the top ray of the five white beams that stream from Christ’s heart. The two rays – red and white – represent blood and water that gushed forth from His body.
This stairway is also said to be much longer than that of the MRT stations. And since it takes a considerable number of steps to get to the chamber, people who have health conditions are advised to stay on the ground. Nonetheless, the overpowering image of the Lord can still be appreciated even by looking at it from below. There’s also the Adoration Chapel near the statue where people who don’t want to go up can pray in private.
There is also an area where you can get healing water for free, just make sure to bring your own container.
Visitors are required to observe proper decorum here since it is a solemn, sacred pilgrimage site. According to the dress code, shorts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed. Women are allowed to wear long pants, but are advised to wear long skirts.
The Divine Mercy statue is a spectacular religious site and tourist attraction. So make sure to bring your cameras when visiting the place. You might also want to check when the site is open for visiting before heading to El Salvador.
Here, you may find that you’ll be walking long distances, but the exercise just might do you good and will be all worth it.
