A. Overview
The Regency of Kulon Progo, Special
District of Yogyakarta (DIY) in fact has an exotic and natural charm cave
called ‘Mary Lawangsih Cave’. Previously, the cave was just as the
other used to become a home of bats, which eventually called ‘Lawa Cave’ derived from bat’s name that called “Lawa” in Javanese language. Then, it is not
surprised when its name becomes Lawa Cave. The cave was also such the shrubbery
that has small hole at the entrance sizes of less than 1 meter in square and
only can be entered by one person to find bat wastes.
In the 1990s, Lawa Cave could be used by
young people of Stasi Pelem Hamlet praying for the Procession of Walking Cross,
but there was no progress until 2008. In July 2008, Lawa Cave that belongs to
the family of T. Supino (chief of Stasi Santa Virgin Mary - SPM Fatima Pelem
Hamlet) has been given to the Church. The construction of Mary Lawangsih Cave
that used as a place to pray (Therapeutic Prayer) was an initiative of “Romo Paroki Santa Perawan Maria
(SPM) Tak Bernoda, Nanggulan”, namely Romo Ignatius Slamet Riyanto. Finally, many people aware of its existence and many
pilgrims who visit are usually from Bandung, Surabaya, Lampung, Jakarta,
Semarang, and other big cities, even from abroad, such as the Netherlands,
France and Australia.
On October 1, 2009, a shrine of Mary
Lawangsih Cave was open to the public, officially announced by Ignatius Slamet
Riyanto and added with the statue of Mary that came from the donors and put
inside the cave.
B. Features
This cave is the second natural cave
recorded in the Supreme diocese of Semarang after the Cave of Mary Tritis
Wonosari, Gunungkidul. As we can found there are not many natural caves being
used to pray. There found a small river flows inside Mary Lawangsih Cave
decorated by stalactites, stalagmites that look beautiful.
Mary Lawangsih Cave is truly natural.
The view of nature serves tapping hills and rice field. Behind the statue of
Mary, there is a very long and beautiful lane with enchanting stalagmites. In
front of the statue of Mary, there is quite big cave, up to a certain extending
depth, now referred to as ‘Panti Semedi’, a place to pray in a private or
group. There found the Statue of Jesus Christ and long depth cave lane.
The pilgrimage might also bring some
small jerry cans or bottle to fill up the holy water that falls from
stalactites inside Mary Lawangsih Cave and the water can be brought back home
or just drink at place. When the rain falls, the Cave is always covered with
thick fog and very cool air.
C. Location
Mary Lawangsih Cave is located in
Menoreh Hill, in Patih Ombo Hamlet, Purwosari Village, Sub Girimulyo, Kulon
Progo, Special District of Yogyakarta (DIY). According to the crouch, Mary
Lawangsih Cave is stated at Stasi
Santa Perawan Maria Fatima Pelem Dukuh, Paroki Santa Perawan Maria Nanggulan,
Kevikepan, Special District of Yogyakarta (DIY),
the Supreme Diocese of Semarang.
D. Access
Starting when using bus of tourism, the
visitors can transit in Santa
Perawan Maria Tak Bernoda Catholic Church, Karang,
Nanggulan, Kulon Progo, DIY. On the other way from
the cities of Yogyakarta, Wates or Muntilan, you can use Nanggulan public
transport and stop by at the intersection of Kenteng then using motorcycle taxi
for 25 minutes to reach the gate of Mary Lawangsih Cave. It is easier using
private cars from any direction just go directly to Nanggulan, Kulonprogo. Arriving at the intersection of Kenteng, go
directly about 13 km to the West. Arriving at the location of Mary Lawangsih
Cave, the visitors should walk about 50-100 meters from parking area towards
the Statue of Mary.
E. Ticket Prices
The visitors and tourists are free of
charge to enter the cave. They just should pay for parking area that did not
have any specific tariff.
F. Accommodation and
Other Facilities
Around the cave of Mary Lawangsih are
provided some facilities, such as parking area, prayer porch (such as the
mass), charity box, notice board, mat, seat, a place for meditation, water tub
to collect the water that falls from the stalactites and stalagmite inside the
cave.
Other facilities available around Mary
Lawangsih Cave are Stasi Santa
Perawan Maria Fatima Crouch, Mary Pengiloning Leres
Cave, four-meter tall statue of Jesus, a prayer hall behind Pengiloning Leres
Cave, seat, bathroom, and some residential local citizens.
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