BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Negros Occidental could soon become a center of Christianity with the construction of a replica of the St. James Church in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, which became popularly known around the world for the apparition of Mary, the mother of Jesus, to six Herzegovinian Croat teenagers in 1981.
The local St. James the Greater Church sits on a one-hectare property in Talisay City, donated by a Negrense family after a priest of the Diocese of Bacolod made the request for a lot where they could build a church.
Inspired by their pilgrimage to Medjugorje about thirty years ago which deepened their relationship with God, the donors decided to build a replica of the St. James Church. It is the first and only replica of the Medjugorje church in the Philippines and in the whole world, based on research conducted by photographer David Brass. The donors replicated every detail of the church in Medjugorje, from the facade, its dimensions, the tabernacle, colored windows, statues and church pews.
Life-sized statues of the saints were made by Diosdado Opina of Silay City, while the colored windows were made by Cesar Posesion of Victorias City.
The Stations of the Cross were made in Paete, Laguna while the church bell was made in Belgium.
Ramiro “Chick” Garcia is the architect and the engineer is Charles Manuel Garcia.
Special lighting effects are being installed inside and outside the church by Cristine Sycangco Lighting Design, Inc.
Construction of the church, which started last year, is almost complete. It will then be administered by the Franciscan Friars Minor.
Adjacent to the church is the friary, which will house resident priests, as well as visiting priests, and may also be utilized as a training center and venue for religious seminars and conferences.
A short distance from the church are a grotto and Stations of the Cross being constructed in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Most Rev. Patricio Buzon will preside over the Eucharistic celebration and solemn rite of the dedication of the altar of the church at 3 p.m. today.
Twenty-five priests of the Franciscan Order of the Friars Minor led by Fr. Renee Dean will concelebrate.
The live coverage of this solemn event may be viewed at the Facebook Page: Custody of St. Anthony of Padua-Philippines.*
