(Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan)
Luna, La Union
28 October 2010
Ria and I only had four days for this trip, so we had to cover as much today because tomorrow's itineraries are already fixed; we only have this full day in La Union to go around.
I asked if she was okay with a church hop, and I was glad she was. I listed many places for us to go to, and first on the list was the Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan in the town of Luna. Asking my aunt about a different route going to the church, she and my niece Louianne (read: Lo-Weyn) suggested we take a jeep to Darigayos, but they weren't that confident about the route (as we might get lost), so we just took the known route: taking the bus to the town of Balaoan then a tricycle ride to the town of Luna. This being a weekday, there weren't much people going to church, so we had to take the tricycle for ourselves. Fare was supposedly 10 pesos each, but since we had to pay for the whole ride, each of us had to pay 25 pesos each, because each tricycle has to carry 5 passengers.
Facade. I wanted to take Ria to a spot where we could see the facade from above, but the gate near the church's entrance was locked. We just had to take a picture from the ground, but it was better than nothing.
Our Lady of Namacpacan. The image of Our Lady of Namacpacan is one of the main reasons why tourists come to visit this church. To know more about the image and how this church became her home, please click HERE.
Near the area, there was a logbook where guests can write their prayers and intentions. I did write a letter for my own sake, but most of my prayers were for my mom.
Church's Interiors (from above). After writing our intentions, a mass was celebrated. It was a special mass - for there was a group of church org members from Pangasinan. Since the mass was in English, we stayed and celebrated with them as well. After the mass, it was basically time for us to leave as well, but seeing the staircase near the choir loft, we just went up to see this view.
Adoration Chapel. For people who would like to spend a time "alone" with God; well, there is a big possibility that other people will enter, too, but at least it was somewhat secluded, and the other people in the room are praying deep, too... no need to worry about people walking around.
Mini-Museum. Outside the church was the souvenir shop and the miraculous well. While buying some items, Ria told me about a signage she saw - for the museum. I have visited this church numerous times, but this was the first time I heard about the museum and of course, I didn't pass the chance to go and check it out. Here they showcase different clothes worn by the image of Our Lady of Namacpacan, as well as different items related to the church.
It was a great way to open the day. Hearing God's words as well as see something new... it gave us much confidence that this will be a very great day.
