The Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Garing, Consolacion, Cebu is under the authority of the Cebu Archdiocese led by His Excellency Archbishop Jose S. Palma. To ensure the upkeep of the religious site, the local prelate appointed the Shrine of the Divine Mercy de Cebu Foundation, Inc. a non-stock, non-profit organization. The SDMCFI is governed by the Board of Trustees headed by Mrs. Imma B. Alfon.
The centerpiece structure in the shrine is the 177-foot icon of the Divine Mercy. Designed by the world-renowned architect and urban planner, Felino “Jun” Palafox, the icon is expected to be higher than the statue of Christ The Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the most recognizable Christian monument in the world.
Development works in the shrine are closely monitored to see it that they conform with regulatory standards and adhere to the architectural and development designs laid by Architect Palafox. To this end, the foundation formed a technical working group composed of lay volunteers and professionals headed by Fr. Brian Brigoli. The TWG meets regularly with the Palafox group in Cebu led by Architect Stephen Ralota.
Tending over the shrine is a gargantuan task but for the SDMCFI, the shrine is merely a means to lead people to a deeper understanding of God’s unconditional love and ineffable mercy.
In the time of the pandemic, the foundation continues to spread devotion to the Divine Mercy through the regular conduct of seminars to deepen the faith of members. The Foundation collaborates with national groups like the Divine Mercy Ecclesial Community, Friends of Divine Mercy, and Eucharistic Apostles of Divine Mercy in holding congresses and outreach programs.
