GINGOOG CITY — A giant statue of Our Lady Stella Maris (Star of the Sea) now rests beneath the waters of Puntod Shoal, giving devotees and divers a new place for prayer while promoting the protection of the city's marine resources.
The seven-foot-tall, 1,500-kilogram statue was solemnly enthroned about 12 feet below the surface on Thursday, July 30, inside one of Gingoog City's Marine Protected Areas, around 1.5 kilometers off Barangay San Juan.
The installation highlighted the city's 66th Charter Day and 47th Grand Kaliga Festival celebration.
Before the underwater enthronement, Archbishop Jose A. Cabantan of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro led a Mass and blessing rites at Kai Azul Resort.
The statue was transported from the shoreline on a specially prepared raft before divers carefully lowered and secured it on the seabed.
Police Col. Ariel Philip I. Pontillas, past president of Utus, said the statue stands seven feet tall and weighs about 1,500 kilograms. He thanked Mayor Erick G. Cañosa for supporting the project and making it part of the city's charter anniversary celebration.
Utus President Marlon Libot said the Stella Maris Marian Sanctuary Project is designed to deepen Marian devotion while encouraging people to care for the marine environment.
He said the underwater sanctuary is envisioned as a symbol of faith, marine stewardship, and a future destination for both religious pilgrims and ecotourists.
Mayor Erick G. Cañosa thanked Utus and its partner organizations for making the project possible, saying the sanctuary could strengthen Gingoog City's religious tourism while complementing its ongoing marine conservation efforts.
The enthronement concluded with a thanksgiving gathering and recognition program for the organizations and individuals who helped complete the project.
