How do you see artifacts from the days gone by? Do you see them as treasure or a link to the past? Our country is filled with religious artifacts that dates back from the 18th century and some even earlier. Thru war and destruction some can never be seen again while others has been recovered and preserved to give us a glimpse of a sacred collection.

Artifacts of Faith

Liturgical Vestments

Made from silk and gold threads these vestments are used during ceremonies. There are three types of vestments.

• Chusable (middle right) - Worn by bishops and priest during the Eucharist celebration

• Dalmatic (left and right end) - Worn by the deacon

• Cape (middle left) - Worn by members of the clergy in sacraments, processions and solemn ceremonies.

During the British invasion in the late 17th century vestments were looted made from silk and gold embroidery. Not much has been left from the collection.

Liturgical Books

These books are used to celebrate sacraments and choir songs for a specific time of day.
From 1565 these books were brought in to our country by Augustinian Friars printed from Belgium, Italy, Spain and Mexico. Among the collection were cantorales which are great choir books.
See the great big choir books which was beautifully crafted by artists.
Chorus of Angels

A lot of the books are artworks made my European artists. It shows stories from the Old Testament and the life of Christ. The ones on display are from the 17th up to the 19th century.

Paintings of Augustinian Venerables

These painted panels made from hardwood shows paintings of friars, nuns and the Augustinian Venerables who belonged in the high office.

These painted panels are part of a screen which covers the retablo which is the altar in the church.

Candelabra and Cross for Procession

Carried during religious processions. The processional cross is made from silver and dates back from the 18th century. The cirial (candle stick) is also made from silver.

The kneeling angels is the stand for the cirial and is hand crafted from Molave wood.

Procession Banner

These banners are a symbol of the cross and the Holy Eucharist. The banners shows images of patron saints. During celebration the banners are placed on both sides of a church. During procession the devotees follows behind the carried banner which is a sign of travelers of faith.

Only a few of these banners survived the war.

Lavamanos

Before a ceremony or celebration of the Eucharist. The priests needed to be clean not only in the soul. This wash basin is used by the priests to wash their hands as they prepare for the ceremony.

This actual marble basin complete with three faucets was known to be the finest basin that existed in our country during this era.

These are just some of the beautiful religious artifacts which are found in our country. As we go along I would continue to search and learn more about these treasures and artwork to share with our amazing community.

As always going places all photos taken are original. Information referenced from the site at the
San Agustin Church Museum

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All photos are original and taken with

Lumix GX85 and 12-32 mm