Theotokos is title given to Virgin Mary which means God-bearer (Mother of God).
This title is in response to the Nestorian heresy about the two nature of Jesus (human and Divine). Nestorious, bishop of Constantinople claimed that Our Lady only bore the human nature of Christ which endangers the Truth about the nature of Jesus. The Nestorianism was opposed by the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD and pronounced that indeed the Blessed Virgin gave birth to the Word Incarnate. That she carried in her womb Jesus, his human and Divine nature was united in One Person.
We are blessed that Fr. John Roña invited us to do our Crusade Prayer gathering in their Theotokos Shrine on March 30, 2019. In the morning we attended the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass then on the afternoon was our crusade prayer in their Blessed Sacrament. How solemn our prayer is. We prayed the Holy Rosary and on the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy, Father Rona joined us. After the Chaplet we talked to us and shared the history of the Theotokos Shrine which amaze me.
The foundation of the shrine is challenging there have been instances when Fr. Roña and Perpetual Dawn Rosary devotees almost give up finishing the shrine. But they were given signs which became the turning point of pushing through the construction. First is the unearthing of antique base of the Monstrance by farmer named Ruperto de Gracia. It is said upon inspection by Vatican Iconographer Bishop Henri Brinkard that the antique existed since 15th century. The astounding part is that, it is as if a divine appointment that Bishop Henri went to Cebu and to Carcar to inspect and authenticate the antique said Fr. Roña. I was privileged to have closer look and even hold the antique. Looking and inspecting it, I was really amazed with the talent of the craftsmanship and the sophisticated details of the object.
The foundation of the shrine is challenging there have been instances when Fr. Roña and Perpetual Dawn Rosary devotees almost give up finishing the shrine. But they were given signs which became the turning point of pushing through the construction. First is the unearthing of antique base of the Monstrance by farmer named Ruperto de Gracia. It is said upon inspection by Vatican Iconographer Bishop Henri Brinkard that the antique existed since 15th century. The astounding part is that, it is as if a divine appointment that Bishop Henri went to Cebu and to Carcar to inspect and authenticate the antique said Fr. Roña. I was privileged to have closer look and even hold the antique. Looking and inspecting it, I was really amazed with the talent of the craftsmanship and the sophisticated details of the object.
Another is when he [Fr. Roña] was given an image which, funnily, he do not know. Not until Cardinal Vidal [late Archbishop of Cebu] told him that the image he receive is the Theotokos.
The Shrine not have the Theotokos icon but also big statue of Our Lady of Fatima together with the 7 Archangels, some of whom I met for the first time. But sorry I have no shot for the last archangel.
If you think that these are not enough to inspire you to visit the shrine, well there is more. Another of the most famous title of Mama Mary is Our Lady of Fatima. The shrine do not only house the big statue of Our Lady of the Fatima but also one of the three original statue carved as describe by the three shepherd children. Yes, the 3 statues of Our Lady of Fatima was carve on 1917 one of which is now placed in the Blessed Sacrament of the shrine. This was given to the brother of Fr. Roña who zealously promoted the Perpetual Dawn Rosary.
The statue is very beautiful and upon closer look there are traces of tear on the left cheek of our Blessed Mother.
When visiting a shrine just remember that these are not tourist spot/place rather it is pilgrim place. This is where you witness the miracle, renew your faith, be healed either physically and/or spiritually. A holy place designed by God for His wandering children.
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