This tower is built in commemoration to the late Pope John Paul II which was the idea of Fr. Felix Pasquin, rector of San Sebastian Parish and vicar forane, during the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Diocese of Bacolod and Palanca, president of Bacolod Real Estate Development Corp. (Bredco), immediately agreed and set out to build it. It is a 8-story building with a rooftop and it is located in Bacolod City. It was blessed by Papal Nuncio Edward Joseph Adams last February 18, 2010. It was donated by Atty. Simplicio Palanca on whose reclamation area the Pope stood and spoke to thousands of people on Feb. 20, 1981. Many tourist came here to take pictures which is over-looking the city from the top.
Palanca donated the tower to the Diocese of Bacolod headed by Bishop Vicente Navarra, who put up a memorabilia of the late Pope at each story of the building. Every floor on the tower features pictures and items of his historic visit to Bacolod City. Stanistaw Cardinal Dziwisz, Archbishop of Krakow donated the alb of the late pontiff that he used during his visit.
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The tower offers a breathtaking view of Bacolod City and the Guimaras Strait. As if to guard the shores of Bacolod and to guide the sea travelers to safety, a cross by Architect Chick Garcia was placed on top of the tower which is lighted at night. The tower is also equipped with a glass enclosed elevator, a water system and a generating set.
In his message after blessing the tower, His Grace Archbishop Joseph Edward Adams said,
“When you see this tower, remember him (PJPII), and remember also his message. Message about God, message about love, message about the human race. This building will serve to remind us of what the good Pope said to us of God, of our need for God, and he hoped to inspire us to live, as God meant us to live on this Earth.”
Indeed, the late Pope has been a source of inspiration for the millions of Catholics in the world and Bacolod is lucky to have been visited by him at a most challenging time for the Province of Negros Occidental. The Pope Tower will be more than a tourist attraction for the Negrenses but it will also serve as a reminder that God will never forsake His people.
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| Posting for Scenic Sunday |
7 beautiful crazy thoughts:
Beautiful series of photos. It must have been exciting to ha e the Pope visit.
nice dear
Hi, great photos on your blog. thanks for stopping by ! Cheers
How fascinating! Thanks for sharing the lovely photos!
Love your photos. They're gorgeous. Thank you for stopping by! I'm a new follower of yours! Have a beautiful day!
Faith, thanks for sharing. I'm from Bacolod but I didn't know the story behind that building. But i was curios every time i passed by and now you answered it. hehe. I want to stop by that place this week. mi bayad ba? is it open even on Sundays?
Nice post! I've been there once and it's a wonderful place to hang out and relax and admire the beautiful views around.
Marikoy
http://mareeyah.com/ako
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