The Miraculous Church in Northern Negros: the Healing Power of Faith
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The Miraculous Church in Northern Negros: The Healing Power of Faith

Negros Occidental

The Miraculous Church in Northern Negros: The Healing Power of FaithVito Church; photo from tourism.negros-occ.gov.ph

The church is located in one of the barangays of Sagay called Vito. It was established in the mid 1850’s during the religious administration of Recollect Friars in Negros Island.

The icon of Sr. San Vicente Ferrer  is housed at the church and is believed to be miraculous. 

The old wooden image of San Vicente Ferrer; photo from VITO Church, Sagay City FB page

Many others and as part of the devotees religious vow, flock the church every Friday. Most of them pray for healing not only for themselves but also for those who need it most-- a friend or a family member who is sick.

“Palapak” from the Hiligaynon word “lapak” which means “to step on” is a religious tradition that is still practiced in Vito Church. The base of the statue is carefully pressed on the head of a devotee.

The old San Vicente Ferrer wooden image is believed to have miraculous healing powers. According to stories, the statue was said to have been carved by a fisher folk named Juan Barco. He found the driftwood in Molocaboc Island and instead of using it as firewood he carved the image after witnessing numerous miracles and signs.

The Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer; photo from VITO Church, Sagay City FB page

For inquiries or bookings, contact the Sagay City Tourism Office at (034) 488-0649, 488-0649 or 435-8571 and look for Ms. Helen Cutillar.

How to Get There

Sagay is at the northernmost tip of Negros. It's approximately 82 kilometers northeast of Bacolod City (2-hour drive), the provincial capital of Negros Occidental.

From Manila, you can fly to Bacolod (Php2500++, round trip, 45 minutes). From Bacolod-Silay Airport, you can take a shuttle (Php75-100 per head), or a cab and ask to be dropped off at the North Bus Terminal for Bacolod-Sagay.

If you opt to take a bus plying north, inform the conductor to drop you off at Crossing Vito. From Crossing Vito, ride a tricycle (Php15.00 per head per trip; 15 minutes) to take you to the San Vicente Ferrer Church or popularly known as Vito Church.

Or you can also go to Bacolod via ferry (estimated cost of Php2700++ with meal, round trip, 20-22 hours) from Manila. From the port you can hail a cab and ask to be dropped off at the north terminal bus station for Bacolod-Sagay. Going to Sagay City, buses and vans for hire regularly ply the northbound route of the Negros highway. 

Sagay is approximately a two-hour drive by private car from Bacolod city

Published at 2018-03-21 by Puerto Parrot
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