After visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando, our group headed subsequent to yet one more well-known church in Pampanga – the San Guillermo Parish in Bacolor. Constructed by Augustinian friars in 1576, it was one of many oldest and largest church buildings in Pampanga. The church was named after Saint William the Hermit (also referred to as San Guillermo in Spanish-speaking nations). The church was initially constructed in 1576 (the 12 months Bacolor was based) by the Augustinian Friars (the primary orders of missionaries who arrived within the Philippines). It was constructed on the lot of Don Guillermo Manabat, a wealthy landlord believed to be the founding father of Bacolor.
The church has witnessed a number of pure disasters over its lengthy historical past, which have contributed to its distinctive and enduring character. The church’s authentic construction underwent a number of rebuilds after being broken in several calamities, together with earthquakes in 1645, 1880, and different incidents that necessitated repairs and reconstruction over time. An earthquake destroyed the church and a brand new church was constructed by Fr. Manuel Diaz in 1897. The early architectural design of the church depicts superior stage of Baroque and Rococo.
Probably the most defining occasion in San Guillermo’s historical past was the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. The large eruption induced catastrophic lahar flows that buried a lot of Bacolor, together with San Guillermo Parish. Solely in regards to the high third of the church remained seen, with round 12 meters of the construction submerged underneath the volcanic particles.
Regardless of the burial, locals preserved what remained of the church, turning the seen half right into a useful chapel. The sunken church has since grow to be an emblem of resilience and an attraction for each pilgrims and vacationers.
The surviving construction underwent restoration to make it accessible for worship once more. At present, it homes relics and artifacts, some relationship again to the Spanish colonial interval, preserved as a part of the San Guillermo Museum or the Museo de Bacolor, positioned throughout the church. It showcases the church’s historic significance and Pampanga’s wealthy tradition and heritage.
The church is a distinguished image of the Kapampangan folks’s energy and religion, highlighting the group’s capability to resist and rebuild within the face of adversity. It has been featured in varied Philippine movies and TV exhibits, typically symbolizing the resilience and spirit of the locals. Most likely some of the notable is the 2009 Tv Collection “Might Bukas Pa” the place “Bro” (referring to character depicted as Jesus Christ) turned a family title.
The church’s spectacular top and structure have been as soon as amongst its defining options. Earlier than the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption, San Guillermo Parish in Bacolor, Pampanga, stood at an estimated top of round 12 meters (about 40 ft). Nevertheless, after the lahar flows from the eruption, roughly half of the church’s construction was buried, leaving solely the highest portion—about 6 meters (20 ft)—seen above floor.
The entrances of the present church are the church’s former niches. Solely half of the unique facade of the church might be seen after it was half-buried by the eruption.
Shortly after the lahar move subsided, locals started efforts to uncover the church, with many volunteering to take away particles manually. Utilizing shovels, buckets, and no matter instruments they’d, they began excavating areas round the principle entrance and the altar, which have been principally buried underneath meters of volcanic ash and dust. Skilled tools and equipment have been later introduced in to help these efforts, particularly for the deeper sections and extra delicate areas, just like the altar and predominant sanctuary.
Regardless of being half-buried, the altar and different key elements of the sanctuary have been restored as a lot as attainable. The uncovered elements have been cleaned, repaired, and embellished, permitting for useful use even throughout the restricted area. After the excavation, the church was modified to accommodate its new “sunken” construction. The high portion turned the principle space of worship, and extra entrances have been created on the newly adjusted floor degree.
The partially excavated San Guillermo Parish Church continues to obtain help for preservation, because it has grow to be each a spot of worship and a historic landmark. The church’s distinctive situation attracts vacationers and pilgrims, prompting native authorities and heritage organizations to keep up the construction and stop additional erosion or harm.
The outside of Bacolor Church
The very first thing you’ll discover on its facade is the big picture of a shrining cross. The middle of the fantastically ornate cross enshrines the picture of the Sacred Coronary heart of Jesus
On high of the cross is a Latin inscription “Rex Regum Et Dominus Dominantium” which interprets to “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”
On high of its facade is a distinct segment that enshrines a statue of San Guillermo.
Wind vane on high of the church’s belfry
The inside of the church is equally fascinating. It’s so spectacular how they handle to revive the church regardless of being half buried.
The gorgeous retablo mayor of San Guillermo Parish of Bacolor. After the eruption, the city’s folks excavated the altar and the retablo and relocated it underneath the dome. The retablos niches are crammed with centuries-old statues which have been saved from destruction of the lahar.
The altar is available in two layers with 5 niches under and one area of interest on high.
The picture of San Guillermo was enshrined on the higher area of interest
The middle of the decrease layer of the retablo lies the picture of Our Woman of the Most Holy Rosary
The picture of San Juan Nepomuceno
Saint Joseph
San Louis Obispo de Tolosa
San Alberto Magno
The 2 sanctuaries have been additionally recovered and restored from the lahar incident.
The fantastically ornate altars are nonetheless intact. It’s spectacular how they managed to revive them again to their former glory.
The principle altar
Situated close to the principle entrance and earlier than coming into the parish museum, you’ll discover a reproduction of Apung Mamacalulu or the Santo Entierro.
The picture of the Santo Entierro of Bacolor Church
Close to the doorway of the Museo de Bacolor, you’ll discover two necessary relics. This one is a bone relic of Saint William the Hermit (San Guillermo, the city’s patron saint)
The second is from the veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They have been each displayed together with certification to show their authenticity.
Contained in the Belfry, you’ll discover a few previous bells
uncovered beams of the tower
This Put up is a part of my Pampanga Pilgrimage collection. Be happy to revisit my earlier articles right here