Soon to open, Ave Maria Shrine in Itogon!

A very few people know the existence of an Ave Maria Statue/Pilgrimage Area in Mt. Bidawan, Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet. It is an area where people who pass by take some rest and pray. Usually, people who take that route to Dalupirip. Folks told me that it was built way back June 20, 1959 as written in the old concreted cement. My grandmother further explains that its creation was initiated by a priest, a Fr. Leon Dapiawen. (I am not sure of the spelling.)

Today, the people of Poblacion would like to rebuild and renew the pilgrimage site. It has been a part of the people’s history and faith. The construction of a pilgrimage site is planned with building the 14 stations of the cross. The first station will start at St. Charles Borromeo Parish and will continue to Sitios Lucbuban, Ma-nit, Tokok, way up to Mt. Bidawan. Sounds tough, right?

Just this 2:30 PM, we started trekking to Mt. Bidawan to visit the progress of the pilgrimage construction. Oh men. It was hot. Going up was not easy, but manageable. I wonder if those devotees who are getting old and getting fat will actually make it. @.@

On our way to Mt. Bidawan. Trails were fixed and rebuilt using bamboos.

Big space for Ave Maria. It measures about 12 feet high. Really huge.

Reaching the site is as always, refreshing and satisfying. It is not yet done, but this early, you can see its beauty. All we need is plenty of plants and some landscaping, and the sculpted Mother Mary.

Way up to the shade. Just needs some landscaping!

Huge it is.

The views are magnificent. Truly majestic. As early as now, I am inviting you to Itogon’s first pilgrimage site.

The shade..

Nearing the site.

Maybe the longest and toughest station of the cross you’ll ever try. It’s completion and perfection should be hopefully finished by March next year.

@.@