Pilgrimage Island in Alaminos declared a pilgrim site
ALAMINOS CITY—The Pilgrimage Island at the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) here where the towering 56-foot Christ The Savior image and the life-sized Stations of the Cross religious sculptures were built was officially declared by Alaminos Bishop Ricardo Baccay on March 28 as a pilgrim site.
“Your Alaminos City visit and Hundred Islands National Park eco-tour will never be complete without the Pilgrimage Island trek and seeing the 56-foot statue of Jesus Christ the Savior and the Stations of the Cross atop the island and enjoying the absolutely magnificent 360-degree view of the city’s 1,844-hectare Marine Park,” said a marker posted in the island that also formed part of the declaration made by Baccay.
Pilgrimage Island was formerly known as Martha Island, with an area of 29, 931 square meters, was declared pilgrimage site as one of the highlights of the 17th Alaminos Cityhood anniversary celebration here.
The Jesus Christ The Savior statue was opened to the public on May 1, 2017 by Mayor Arthur Celeste after the concelebrated mass officiated by Baccay.
A walk up a winding 185-step leads tourists and pilgrims to the Jesus Christ the Savior statue. Those who opt to visit and complete the 14 Stations of the Cross first, could take the 1.02 kilometer trek which covers 1, 413 steps from the beach.
Visitors are advised pace themselves when trekking the route for holistic pilgrimage experience.
An advisory on the best time to be at the Pilgrimage Island by the family and friends is from September to March and summer vacation especially during the holy week “to pray, reflect and venerate the image.”
For developing the island, Baccay credited Celeste for redefining the city’s tourism into a faith experience.
Celeste, for his part, said when he had the Christ the Savior and the Stations of the Cross images built, it was, indeed his primary aim not merely to boost tourism at the HINP but for religious aspect where a visitor could reflect and pray. (Eva Visperas)
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