World's Highest Virgin Mary statue Built in Kerep Ambarawa [Central Java]

This is the world's highest statue of the Virgin Mary. Statue of  Virgin Mary Assumption was built in  Religious Tourism environment Kerep Mary Cave, Ambarawa, Semarang regency, Central Java, with its height of 42 meters. This sculpture was created by original sculpture  of Ambarawa. This statue has a height of 23 meters with a height of 19 meters cantilever which is totaled to 42 meters. Statue of the Virgin Mary Assumpta had already blessed and inaugurated on August 15, 2015 at 5 pm  by Mgr. Johannes Pujasumarta, Archbishop of Semarang. Catholicism upholds the Virgin Mary. Therefore, a pilgrimage to the Marian shrine is a routine thing which is done by Catholics.

 

Gua Maria Kerep Ambarawa (GMKA) or well known as the Cave Kerep is not quite familiar to the ear Catholic archdiocese (KAS). In fact, since the last few years, the Cave Kerep's name has also began familiar by people from various dioceses in Indonesia.

A strategic location which is not quite far away from Semarang highway - Magelang, namely in District Ambarawa, Semarang regency. From Semarang city, GMKA is just about  900 meters to 1 Km. from the Semarang highway. For pilgrims who is  the first time for visited this cave, just simply follow the instructions on the name plate located across the street right in front of Terminal Ambarawa. Or rather on the rightside of  Pangudi Luhur Ambarawa  elementary school or the East  of Junior High Pangudi Luhur Ambarawa teleported to the north.

Cool weather and natural charm charming presence is always welcoming for every pilgrim. Green expanse of rice paddies and trees at the foot of Mount Ungaran seemed so friendly in delivering every heart towards the heavenly realm Gua Maria Kerep Ambarawa.

Gurgling water in the ditch and the singing of birds are giving  a charm and give treats before entering of peace GMKA nature. The existence of souvenir stalls as if unable to penetrate the peace and tranquility of  Gua Maria Kerep Ambarawa area. Silence, silence, and silence. That is experienced by every pilgrim hearts.

To get to the GMKA environment, there are several vehicle that could be used by the pilgrims. Pilgrims can use a car or motorbike; rural transport, carriage (wagon), or it could be asked for assistance from the services of a motorbike taxi driver. Big bus can only reach the  Ambarawa terminal,  from the terminal, pilgrims can reach it by foot. Because by doing so, we  will feel more solemn while doing  penances. Bus 3/4 can enter the parking area GMKA.

Since then, up to now GMKA has never been empty from pilgrims. It is almost fulfilled  from morning till night, and it has always been visited by pilgrims even beyond the Moon Maria which falls in May and October.

Various pilgrims recited prayers and hopes in this place. Moreover, not just a few pilgrims who simply utter gratitude for their request has already been granted. There was also came just simply to search for the inner piece in it.

GMKA seems not being visited by Catholics only. Religions and other beliefs also helped gain serenity and peace of mind here. Most of them finally admit that there was silence in the GMKA environment.