MONTEMARIA Shrine in Batangas City

I never thought a pilgrimage site this vast exists in Batangas City. All I know are the gas depots and fossil fuel refineries. But past these refineries on the outskirt of the city is MonteMaria Shrine where an ambitious project of putting up an 88-meter statue of Virgin Mary is on the works. Take note, 88 meters is higher than the Statue of Liberty in New York or Church the Redeemer in Rio de Janiero. That's really ambitious!

MONTEMARIA Shrine Batangas City

So this place has been existent for quite sometime under another Catholic priest who became notorious with the church (for which he is still part until now) but because of the controversy, the project was put on hold. It is just lately that they are really pushing for it. And I see why. The property is a big landmass at the tip of Bauan Batangas, a very strategic location with a very good view of Verde Island and the wide blue sea facing Batangas Bay.

I see construction going on in some areas and a small church is already in place which already holds regular massed daily and there is already a restaurant in place where some staff are manning the reception area and actively promoting then place which is by the open for donations. There is also a housing project down the hill within the property so I think they are really serious in promoting the place. 

I say the location is really perfect because the fact that it is a little isolated (being away from the city and residential areas) makes for a good place to retreat and find peace. The view from here is also amazing. Imagine if you have the giant statue on this kind of terrain. It will surely be seen nautical miles away at sea. I have a little concern though, if they are to put up such a statue, it will be very exposed to the battering of strong winds during rainy season. They better make it really sturdy.

I wish for the success of this project though, it is gonna be good for the faithful and non-faithfuls alike who are curious about exploring their faith. Like me in the summer of 2014.

We went here on the 2nd day of our Visita Iglesia via private vehicle. It was our first stop before visiting the old churches of Batangas and Quezon.

Look for the rest of my Visita Iglesia entries here: 

DAY 1: 

VISITA IGLESA IN LAGUNA: The Old Churches of Calamba, Bay, Pila, Pagsanjan, Lumbang, Paete and Pakil

DAY 2:
VISITA IGLESIA IN BATANGAS AND QUEZON: Old Churches of Ibaan, San Juan, Sariaya, Tayabas and Lucban

______________________