Subsequent to the Archdiocesan Shrine of Apung Mamacalulu in Angeles Metropolis, our group headed to San Fernando to go to the Metropolitan Cathedral. Like most church buildings of Pampanga, the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando has an enormous historic significance and in reality, it was just lately declared as an essential Cultural property by the Nationwide Museum of the Philippines.
Apparently, the cathedral was previously often called the Cathedral of Our Woman of Assumption. The primary church was established in 1755 by the Augustinian Friars and positioned it underneath the patronage of San Fernando III. San Fernando or Saint Ferdinand was the King of Castille from 1217 and is also called the patron saint of engineers. The primary church of San Fernando was constructed with picket partitions and nipa roofing. On October 17, 1757, townsfolk petitioned the governor-general for exemptions from tribute to allow them to construct the church and convent.
In 1788, the church was transferred underneath the administration of secular clergymen (Filipino clergymen). The development of the current fashion church began throughout the identical 12 months underneath the supervision Fr. Manuel Canlas, its first secular cura parroco (parish priest). It was additionally completed with the cooperation of a committee composed of the principales (rich residents) of the city. Building was accomplished in 1808, however this time, the church was rededicated underneath the patronage of Our Woman of the Assumption.
Ruins of the outdated church
Like many aged Spanish church buildings within the nation, the church additionally witnessed quite a few battles significantly throughout the Philippine revolution. The church served an important function as a station for revolutionary forces in 1898 throughout the Philippine Revolution in opposition to Spanish colonial rule.
President Emilio F. Aguinaldo and his cupboard seen the Philippine Revolutionary Military from the home windows of the convento on October 9, 1898. The Filipino military had been enormously outnumbered by the People who had higher arms and extra ammunition. Basic Antonio Luna, then accountable for the Philippine forces, adopted a scorched-earth coverage (A army technique of burning or destroying crops or different assets that could be of use to an invading enemy pressure). Each church and convent had been burned by Gen. Antonio Luna’s troopers earlier than abandoning the city to the People on Might 4, 1899.
Aside from this, the church was totally destroyed in many alternative events, together with a fireplace incident in 1939. It was restored by a Kapampangan Architect Fernando H. Ocampo who is identical architect behind the present Manila Cathedral structure. From its earlier Baroque fashion, it was rebuilt with a brand new Neo-Classical fashion.
In 1948 the church was elevated to Cathedral when it turned the seat of the Diocese of San Fernando. In 1975, the diocese was elevated by Pope Paul VI, to Archdiocese of San Fernando. On December 11, 1998, the Golden Jubilee anniversary of its creation as a diocese the Archdiocese of San Fernando’s Cathedral of the Assumption was consecrated and rededicated as The Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando.
Structure-wise, the present church has a quite simple facade coated in clear white and adorned with grey fake columns and balusters.
It incorporates a porch in the principle entrance with the picture of the Immaculate Coronary heart of Mary above it together with Archdiocese coat of arms. The facade additionally featured colourful stained-glass home windows and a rose window that includes the picture of Our Woman close to its pediment.
Hooked up to the left facet is the gorgeous belfry with a wind vane on high.
On the appropriate facet of the church is the convent.
It’s also possible to discover an enormous statue of San Fernando close to the parking space.
The inside of the church is way extra mesmerizing. It appears extra spacious inside and it matches the identical white and grey shade scheme.
What makes it actual grand is the large dome above its most important altar.
The dome incorporates a sequence of stained glass home windows with pairs of fake columns in between. The dome itself options octagonal niches of assorted sizes.
The nave and the altar
The primary sanctuary that’s barely elevated. It additionally options altar rails.
The Cathedra or Bishop’s chair.
The gorgeous most important altar that enshrines the picture of Our Woman of the Assumption
Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion (Our Woman of the Assumption)
There are two facet altars within the Cathedral. One options the picture of San Fernando
The opposite one options the picture of Virgen delos Remedios, the principal patroness of the province of Pampanga
It’s also possible to spot a pulpit throughout the principle altar
The nave as seen from the sanctuary.
This Submit is a part of my Pampanga Pilgrimage sequence. Be at liberty to revisit my earlier articles right here
Reference: SunStar PH / CBCP Information / Taga Pampanga Ku /