The backstory of the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Cebu is linked to the tireless efforts of the lay association Shrine of Divine Mercy de Cebu Foundation, Inc. The non-profit, non-stock corporation spent over a decade looking for a suitable spot around Cebu that will enshrine the Divine Mercy icon. Their search began in 2000 and ended sometime in 2013 when they found a vast elevated area in Garing, Consolacion owned by former Consolacion Mayor Avelino Gungob, Sr.
Mr. Gungob initially offered to sell 2.5 hectares of his property at P500.00 per square meter. At that time, the Foundation had only P100,000.00 in its coffers but by God’s Providence, the Gungob family eventually decided to donate some 6 hectares to the local Church for the specific purpose of building a shrine for the Divine Mercy.
In June 19, 2015, Mr. Gungob formally signed the deed of donation to the Archdiocese of Cebu. Following the local Church’s acceptance of the donated property, the SDMCFI initiated a contest for the design of the proposed 6-hectare shrine. Out of 15 entries, the jury composed of the local clergy and lay workers chose the design of young architect, Stephen Ralota.
Ralota’s concept of “The Holy Bible”impressed Archbishop Jose S. Palma who then decided to contact renowned architect and urban planner Felino “Jun” Palafox to execute the project.
In January 9, 2020 Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma, representatives of the Palafox Architecture Group led by Mr. Felino Palafox and Mrs. Imma Alfon, SDMCFI president held a news conference to announce that the Cebu Archdiocese has commissioned Mr. Palafox to undertake the design and development of the shrine.
Mr. Palafox signed the technical and financial proposal for the conceptual master planning, site development planning, site engineering design, architectural and engineering, and interior design services. Archbishop Palma and Mrs. Alfon affirmed the scope of works, professional fees and payment terms spelled out in the proposal.
