The first day of our trip to medan was jam-packed. We wanted to see and eat as many things as possible! The group decided to check out the Catholic Church first. The Filipinos in the group explained to the other nationalities that usually this is important to Filipinos to visit the church of a new place. We also have an interesting tradition of praying the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be three times each and making a wish. Pictures after the jump. You wont believe it’s a Catholic Church!
Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni (Our lady of Good Health)
This, to date, is the strangest Catholic Church I’ve ever seen. The mix of Indo-mogul architecture is not what a typical church in the Philippines looks like. It was a site to behold. Click here to read more about the church. I would have never have guessed it was a Catholic Church from outside!
For both the first and the second floor you must take of your shoes. You also must remove your shoes at the shrine. So if you don’t want your feet to touch the floor (Yooohoooo @OCMominManila!) wear sneakers with socks.
It suddently got very sunny so I had a hard time adjusting my camera settings, but I do hope you enjoy my pics!
Time to go up to the 2nd floor!
Just had to take a picture of this Indonesian girl who looked so adorable in her colorful dress and pink shoes!
I also visited The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health, a more modest structure beside the tall church. Once again we took off our shoes. Then we knelt on the floor and prayed. I offered a prayer for my health which as you know has been quite bad the past few months. I had the flu, got complications (upper respiratory tract infection) and I haven’t felt well since. Our suspicion is that it has something to do with my thyroid. (Getting some test results tomorrow – wish me luck!) I offered it up to God. Not for personal comfort but because I’ve always dreamed of having my own family. Must improve my immune system before I get pregnant!
After the church we planned to go to Istana Maimun (Maimun Palace) and Masjid Raya (Great Mosque). Were we able to make it?
Check back in on Monday and find out! I have more beautiful pictures to share of Medan. I can’t wait to share it with you. The few places we visited took my breath away and hopefully my pictures do them justice! For a place that is not a tourist destinations, Medan has it’s own jewels. =)
[…] seeing the Catholic Church and the Great Mosque we were ravenous. We asked the driver where we could buy delicious (enak) […]