[ Manila Bulletin Online ] August 14, 2008
CAGAYAN DE ORO — The tallest religious statue in the world, the 50 feet statue of the Divine Mercy, will be turned over in festive celebration to the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro by the Divine Mercy Foundation Mindanao (Philippines) Inc. headed by Atty. Guerrero Adaza and his wife Paquita Adaza.
The blessing of the statue, its turn over and the observance of the Virgin Mary’s birthday will be the highlights on September 8. The event will be preceded by a three-day symposium marking the 75th jubilee celebration of the Diocese of Cagayan de Oro.
An early dawn mass, preceded by vigil prayers, will be celebrated by Most Rev. Antonio Ledesma, Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro with Archbishop Jesus Tuquib. Most Rev. Orlando Quevedo, Archbishop of Cotabato, will be the homilist.
The statue was designed by Arch. Felino Palafox Jr. and sculpted by Nick Reyes, renowned sculptor and artist.
The occasion will be festive with the entrance of Knights of Columbus, Mindanao Core group, the shower of petals and confetti and street dancing. Pilgrims and visitors from the US, Poland, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Also the Marians of the Immaculate Conception Fathers from Stockbridge, Massachusetts, USA who will be the administrator and custodian of the statue and church.
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