Our Church.. Our Home!!!

jezmacher (58)in #art • 6 years ago (edited)

Churches are one of the structures that represent unity and harmony in terms of spiritual belief of the community in a certain place. Most of them was built many decades ago and has big contribution to our present. These are facts how other culture influence us by means of personality traits, life style, even languages and these architectural structures defines strongly our History.

During the colonialism that our country is under the control of foreign invaders way back in late centuries. They brought something to Philippines that open our hearts to spiritual connection with Christ.

Christians was born and religion bridged the gap between man and GOD.

In the recollect tradition, " It is proper that we show forth our love in the cleanliness and polish of those places where He chooses to reside in order to be with us, our Altars and Churches .. For even though in all these we be poor, yet in this and for this let us be rich; Let there be nothing in the Church that does not show forth with splendor the painstaking love of those who serve in it..''
( Forma de Vivir - The way of life, I )

Interior of San Sebastian Cathedral wooden retablo mayor, ornate ceiling, octagonal marble columns, rose windows, twin pulpit, marble holy water front, massive side windows and decorative chandeliers.

" San Sebastian Cathedral and historical background"

The beauty of San Sebastian Cathedral is not a showcase - it is all for GOD. The people of GOD, gave their best, even for free. The Haienderos donated properties to the church. The local folks volunteered to lift stones and bricks. The Artisans, Filipinos and Chinese offered the best from their talents. The recollect Friars truly committed and devoted for the service of GOD, gave their hearts and deed for evangelization. They formed one community- one mind, one heart and one soul for the God's Kingdom. Our early Christian community was what made us the new ecclesia - a people gathered working for GOD's kingdom. Such is the magnificence of our Cathedral, at the heart of the massive structure is an enlightened Church community of the poor.

The fully furnished tabernacle, bishop chair and Sacred Altar

Saint Pedro Calungsod

In October 21, 2012 after the thorough deliberation to consider Pedro Calungsod as saint. He was finally canonize in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City by Pope Benedict XVI. His miracle was witnessed by many people and that is one of the reason why he is presently preached by some devotee. To give honor for His holiness and sacred saint His image and replica is being displayed on the sacred altar of San Sebastian Cathedral.

Religious wall decorations made of Plaster of Paris bordered with combination sculpted decorations on wood

There are series of wall decorations made from Plaster of Paris surrounds the Cathedral. That re-tell the story of Christ before he was crucifix, died and rose again from the dead.

The Black Nazarene " Mother Mary holding baby Jesus "

Devotee who believes in Her should knock three times before your devotional prayer. Then knock once more after you done with your prayer. I could say that this Black Nazarene " Mother Mary holding baby Jesus " Listen the prayer who speaks from the heart. Where I strongly believed when the time I was relieve from sudden uncertainty of my life after I asked for guidance.

The Crypt of Bishops and Priest

Bishop and priest who had died was buried with in the church vicinity. The crypt is located as the left side under basement of the Cathedral. Where you can see hundreds of grieve was buried. The crypt is open and you can see whats inside from the outside

Cathedral Crypt

This Ossuarium was established during the reconstruction of the San Sebastian Cathedral that began in 1957 under Bishop Manuel P. Yap with the addition of the sacristy above it. It was renovated in 2009 as part of the repair, renovation and beautification and improvement of the Cathedral and blessed by Bishop M. Navarra Very Rev. Fr. Felix P. Pasquin Rector of the Cathedral on July 29, 2009.,

The Centennial Belfry of San Sebastian Cathedral

Constructed by Sugarlandia Lions Club of Bacolod; Inaugurated July 31, 1976 the Cathedral Centennial yea; large bell ( 1,543.5 kilos costing 1,245.00 pesos ) donated in 1866 by Fr. Mariano Avila , Bacolod Parish Priest. 1863-1871 small bell 761 kilograms installed in 1890 y Fr. Mauricio Ferrero, Recollect parish priest of Bacolod, 1871-1910 these bells formed part of four others mounted on Cathedral towers in 1879, Warned Bacolod of revolution. November 5, 1898, storms and fires lowered during Cathedral Towers reconstruction, 1969.

This belfry place on the ground which is normally should be seen on the top of the churches tower. But because of Bacolod Engineer inspection and for the safety of the people who went to church. The sail belfry was removed from the tower to avoid unnecessary scenarios that might cause harm to people. Those weight of Bells is very risky as the Cathedral is getting old and weather is badly changing.

The Prayer house

The restoration of this prayer house was accomplished through the generosity of the loyal members of the church Sir Knight Antonio M. Esteban and his wife Gloria C. Araneta inaugurated on the feast of San Sebastian January 20, 1990.

Diocese Office of San Sebastian Cathdedral

If you have concerns of inquiries about the Diocese of Bacolod. Feel free to come inside of this building, It is located at the left portion of San Sebastian Cathedral in front of public plaza.

In loving memory of all innocent victims of Abortion

In grateful acknowledgement and appreciation to His excellency. Most Rev. Vicente M. Navarra , D.D.
Bishop of the Diocese of Bacolod who permitted to use this this site and His spiritual guidance and support to the KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MOTHER COUNCIL No. 3348 that made this
" Memorial of the Unborn "

It is an impressive structures, figures, replica, images and etc. Where the hidden meanings are kept to preserved our history. Every places not only here in the Philippines, but to the rest of the places in the world. There are things that we should learn from these churches, basilica's or cathedrals. It is important also for us to know what we've been through before we finally achieved our present state. I would love to explore more and share what I could learn from it. Then show you the best images as possible I could get

All the images was originally taken using my Nikon Coolpix S2700 camera. Then some context are manually input from the printed documentary with local stamps beside those images and memorabilia.