The Miraculous Vito Church: The experience of being stepped upon by a Saint.

I am lucky for having a chance to visit this church twice. My first visit was with my friends way back 2010 or 2011 and the most recent, last June 12, 2015. This church in Vito, Sagay City has gained its popularity because it has been claimed by many catholics that its patron saint, Sn. Vicente Ferrer has interceded in their prayers for healing and recovery. This church is located in the far baranggay of Vito, Sagay City, Negros Occidental. One may commute via Ceres bus, through a via Escalante or via San carlos route which passes at Sagay City. A regular traffic would allow you around 2 and 1/2 hours from Bacolod City (capital) to Vito church since you will have to take another tricycle ride from the Bangga Vito (or Vito-Escalante intersection) up to the church location. Whereas, through a private car, it will only be around 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours from Bacolod to Vito church.

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, Mighty God! #Vito #SagayCity

A photo posted by Rotsen (@wotzentiger) on Jun 12, 2015 at 5:03am PDT

It is a typical old church with an admirable facade. Giant statues of saints are surrounding the church from the entrance and many vendors of souvenirs flock the nearby places. Praying inside the church is indeed a solemn one because of its majestic altar and well crafted furnitures and statues of saints. I was also advised that before you go to Vito, the petitioner should first visit his loved ones who have passed away, and light a candle after offering a prayer. It is also encouraged that catholics undergo a 'patapak', which is a service offered by the Church at its office just accross it. Patapak is a native catholic ritual of lifting a marble or wooden statue of a saint (most especially St. Vincent Ferrer) and then placed in contact in the different parts of the devotee, as if the saint is steeping unto you, thus the hiligaynon term 'tapak'. This practice is said to protect the devotee from harm and sickness. A donation is also welcome after the ritual which takes only about 3 minutes or less.

How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord, Mighty God. Thank You for the gift of family. Thank You for the gift of health. Thank You for the gift of life.

A photo posted by Rotsen (@wotzentiger) on Jun 12, 2015 at 5:09am PDT

There is indeed no harm in doing this, because it is for the honor of the Lord Jesus. Praying for good cleanses our soul and heals us from different ailments of the body and soul. Our family has decided to abide by this practice on a regular basis. May God bless us always.