Article: The Baclayon Church

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The Baclayon Church is considered to be one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It is also one of the most preserved Jesuit churches in the country. It stands today with the same materials that it was made of since the beginning except for a few additions of modern facade and stone buildings. Square blocks cut from coral stones make up most of the figure of the church. The native laborers carried them from the sea using bamboo. They then used this bamboo to carry the corals and piled it on top of each other. They also used egg whites as cement to hold the blocks together.

Spanish priests Juan de Torres and Gabriel Sanchez first came into Baclayon in 1595 from Cebu City. Their people erected a visita immediately after their arrival. This is because the priests realized that there was no decent place to celebrate the Mass. The church in the beginning of its construction was made from bamboo. But because of their Moro enemies, the building has to be stopped. They moved their headquarters to Loboc and the construction of the church was commenced only in 1717. The building of the church was then completed in 1727. In 1835 the large bell was installed in the building.

Inside the church are green gilded altars. During the 18th century their versions of Baroque were very popular. The interior of the church also displays a retablo. This retablo shows the images of the saints of Recollect devotion. But still it is traced back to the Jesuits because the motto "Ad majorem Dei gloriam" is surmounted in the main altar. The builders of the church also carved two benches in the nave on low relief. Also, the painting of Ascension could be found in that nave along with that of Church Fathers and San Vicente Ferrer.

The church is filled with valuable relics from the 19th century. A pipe organ which is now in bad shape still remains to be seen inside. Even the designs of the choir and organ loft are cut with decorations of the past. The stucco finish painting though of the church contrasts the style of the interior. The church also has a jail behind it where people were punished for violating the Catholic rules.

Outside and near the church is an old convent. It has a small museum inside it which contains antiques that date back to the 16th century. These collections include important figures such as the ivory statue of Christ, the statue of Blessed Virgin, relics of St. Ignatius and paintings by the Filipino painter Gatchalian.

The trend of churches containing museums that kept lots of important relics to the Christian faith started in Baclayon. It has been declared as National Historic Treasure because of its superb preservation making it the second oldest church in the Philippines. Aside from its age, the structure and design being a product of the Spanish Colonial architecture projects a fascinating view. Thousands of visitors and tourists visit the church every year because of its rich historical background and relics.

by: magTXT

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2013/1/14