SACRED HEART DEVOTION

The devotion to the Sacred Heart is one of the most widely practiced and well-known Roman Catholic devotions, taking the heart of the Resurrected Body the as representation of the love by Jesus Christ God, which is "His heart, pierced on the Cross", and, in the texts of the" New Testament, is revealed to us as God's boundless and passionate love for mankind. 

St. Margaret Mary received the vision of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. "I saw this divine heart as on a throne of flames, more brilliant than the sun, and as transparent as crystal. Its adorable wound was encircled with a crown of thorns, which signified the pricks caused by our sins". 

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque was born on July 22, 1647 and died on October 17, 1690. From 1673 to 1675, Jesus revealed his Sacred Heart devotion to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in several mystical visions, the first apparition happening on December 27, 1673.

PROMISES OF THE SACRED HEART

1. I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.

2. I will establish peace in their homes.

3. I will comfort them in all their afflictions.

4. I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.

5. I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.

6. Sinners will find in my Heart the source and Infinite Ocean of mercy.

7. Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.

8. Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.

9. I will bless every place in which an image of my Heart is exposed and honored.

10. I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.

11. Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart.

12. I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.

WHAT DOES SACRED HEART SYMBOL MEAN?

THE FLAMES means Christ's passionate love for mankind

RAYS OF LIGHT symbolizes Jesus Christ as "the light of the world" (John 8:12). Light, like fire, is a symbol of divinity.

CROWN OF THORNS refers to the Passion of Jesus led to His resurrection which was actually a Crown of Victory over evil.

THE CROSS shows Jesus Christ's sacrifice of his life to save mankind

HISTORY OF THE SHRINE

How the Philippine's 132-feet image of Jesus came into existence is a story to behold. Worldwide, stories of healing have inspired many people towards holiness and faith in God. 

 

WHY A SACRED HEART OF JESUS IMAGE?

The image was chosen because of the devotion of a man's family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus enthroned in their home. The image at the Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is shown with the usual red and white garment. His outstretched arms symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and wickedness. This image is offered in gratitude for all the blessings and graces received through the mercy and compassion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

 

A THANKSGIVING PROMISE 

In 1995, the same devotee was walking around a subdivision in Dayao, Roxas City when he was strucked by a view from afar of Tumandok Hill. He wishfully thought that should the hill be sold to him, he would build an image of Sacred Heart of Jesus on it. 

 

The devotee's wish was confirmed a few years after. A cousin, during the visit of Rosa Mystica Marian image, validated the image's location as being on top of the hill and bounded by the sea and mountain ranges. 

CONSTRUCTION AND INAUGURATION

Construction began in 2012 on Tumandok Hill, Dinginan, Roxas City, led by a local sculptor, two engineers, and six workers. Despite challenges, the project was completed without any accidents and finished on January 5, 2015.

SANCTUARY SPECIFICATIONS

• Total Height: 132 feet (30-foot pedestal + 102-foot statue)

• Elevation: 360 feet above sea level

  
  

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

• Design Inspiration: Nery Joachim Ong (based on the Sacred Heart of Jesus)

• Structural Engineer: Bryan Tan

• Civil Engineer: Vicente Ong III

• Mechanical Engineer, Builder & Artist: John Alaban (with a team of 7 members)

  
  

TIMELINE

• Construction Period: 2012 – 2015

• Blessing: Archbishop Jose Advincula Jr., D.D.

• Inauguration: June 12, 2016, led by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Eugenio D. Caldeo, Jr.