Virgin Mary Statue at Boracay is back ...

[OceanBreezeInn]

DOT installs new Virgin Mary statue at Willy’s Rock


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The Department of Tourism (DOT) installed a new grotto and image of the Virgin Mary at Willy’s Rock on Thursday afternoon due to the clamor of residents and tourists to restore it.

The original image was removed by the owner of Willy’s Beach Resort after her family converted to the Born Again faith. The rock protruding along the wide expanse of the white sand beach was named Willy’s Rock since the owner reportedly rented it from the Malay local government.

In an earlier interview with Panay News, Socorro Ruchanie “Bebot” Gadon said she will replace the image with a tablet with the inscription of Exodus 20:1-5.

Gadon’s move gained the ire of the Catholic Church here that vowed to restore the image of Virgin Mary at the rock.

The Malay Sangguniang Bayan declared the rock as government property. This paved the way for the reconstruction of the grotto and the installation of a new image of the Virgin Mary.

Malay Vice Mayor John Yap carried the image since he donated it.

Around 3,500 Catholic faithful, residents and tourists witnessed the ceremonial re-enthronement of the two foot statue.

The rock was also renamed into Boracay Rock.

DOT officials vowed to promote it and its new name around the world.

Boracay parish priest Fr. Maglore Placer said tourists could now again take pictures of the rock with the Virgin Mary’s grotto.

The rock is considered a landmark the Boracay and is the most photographed scene.


Source: Panaynews

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[pinoywayfarer]

While the Malay government officials, in response to the clamor of the faithful Catholic residents of Boracay, has done well to restore and re-enshrine the statue of Virgin Mary on the former "Willy's Rock" now "Boracay Rock", they should not also neglect the fact that there are tourists who also have non-Catholic faith. Perhaps, they could add a big cross on Boracay Rock so that it would be a symbol of Christian unity for all Christ believers in Boracay.

[wowpinay]

While the Malay government officials, in response to the clamor of the faithful Catholic residents of Boracay, has done well to restore and re-enshrine the statue of Virgin Mary on the former "Willy's Rock" now "Boracay Rock", they should not also neglect the fact that there are tourists who also have non-Catholic faith. Perhaps, they could add a big cross on Boracay Rock so that it would be a symbol of Christian unity for all Christ believers in Boracay.

I don't know but I think that would be unfair for Muslims as well, and other people who are practicing other religions. I think they put the statue of Mary to represent the majority of people who live in the place.