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Agtalin Shrine: the Beginning

In 1990, a 1 7-year old teenager from Roxas City,Capiz was afflicted with a rare and fatal kidney ailment, the second in the philippines. The diseasemanifested extreme pain on her. right lower back. Suspecting that it was appendicitis, doctors operated on her. Instead, they saw an enlarge and bleeding right kidney. To stop the source of bleeding, the kidney was removed  (only to find out that it was a good and functioning one).

          After a month, the remaining kidney experienced the same pain. In fear of losing her, her family brought her to the best medical expert in Manila for further test. Results all the more baffled doctors, who in turn suggested that she seek further treatment abroad. Realizing that the situation was turning critical, family and friends prayed  to God for a miracle. While she was being prayed over in a hospital, she fell into a deep and dreamt of a beautiful lady in blue and white dress - Our lady of the Miraculous Medal.  

                  The next day, she woke up feeling healed, Believing that is was a miraculous healing from God, through the intercession of the of the  Blessed Mother, she then returned to Roxas City, spared from seeking medical treatment abroad,and most importantly, spared from the malady.
A Statue to Praise God and Honor the Miraculous Lady. Why Agtalin of all places? This was the same question that confronted the teenager's brother. When one day, while  he was  walking in a nearby fish fond ,, he saw a rainbow across the sky far from Agtalin  Hill. A thought crossed his mind and he sought a sign that should it be God's will that Mary be honored in Agtalin hill, God would let the rainbow move over to the top of the hill. Amazingly, it nestled on top of the hill,confirming human sentiments.Fund raising started through the efforts of the Agtalin Development  Foundation and numerous private citizens. In 1991, construction began with the help of an engineer, a sculptor, volunteer laborers, and other local and international donors. Despite the difficult terrain, heavy equipment and human labor just keep on working. 

          It was in 21 July 1993 when finally, the beautiful 85-feet statue was blessed by Bishop Onesimo Gordoncillo of Capiz, and then Parish Priest of Dulangan, Rev. Fr. Domingo Deocampo. 
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