Rising up from the ashes
August 7, 2016
by Mac Norhen Bornales
by Mac Norhen Bornales
AT FIRST glance, the entrance door seemed too small for a lot of people entering the parish. But as the visitors explore the interior of the San Guillermo Parish Church in Bacolor, Pampanga, they will realize that the entrance door is the window of the church that was half-buried by lahar of Mt. Pinatubo.
Named as the second largest eruption in the world in the 20th Century, the Mt. Pinatubo eruption devastated the families and their llivelihood, and the infrastructures in the provinces of Zambales, Pampanga, and Tarlac. However, the eruption did not affect the town directly. A year after the 1991 calamity, towns in Pampanga were threatened by lahar that came from Mt. Pinatubo due to heavy downpour. On September 3, 1995, lahar flowed from the slopes of the volcano which nearly buried the entire town of Bacolor. |
"The grandeur of the parish might have been reduced but the faith of its residents remained." |
Rising up from the natural disaster, the church became a remarkable tourist spot and a place for reflection and pilgrimage for Catholics around the world. Some pilgrims come to the parish to meditate during Holy Week, while others borrow a time machine as they visit the museum beside the parish that showcases the culture and legacy of the town. The museum features artifacts and other religious icons that survived or collected after the eruption.
Though diminished by half, the parish still humbly presents its remaining grandeur as the interior of the church is well maintained. Its altar, which is barred by a fence, houses a baroque design with 10 to 30 electric candles lighting up the dark interior of the parish. The parish’s ceiling may have come closer to the floor but the ventilation is sustained by a large fan to accommodate parishioners.
The grandeur of the parish might have been reduced but the faith of its residents remained. The parish is still active in celebrating the sacraments. Eucharistic celebrations are performed in Tagalog daily from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., while there is an evening Mass from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. during Wednesdays and Fridays.
The Sunday schedule is jam-packed with Masses at 6:00 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. The sacrament of reconciliation is celebrated 30 minutes before the Mass or during Holy Hours.
For more information about the parish, contact (632) 642 8051. The parish priest is Rev. Fr. Bebot Catuiran as of 2010.
Bacolor, Pampanga is just an hour drive north of Manila. Driving along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), one should take the San Fernando Exit and drive right along the Jose Abad Santos Highway. From there, turn left toward Bacolor. The church of San Guillermo could be partly seen from this highway.
Check out more photos of the parish here:
Though diminished by half, the parish still humbly presents its remaining grandeur as the interior of the church is well maintained. Its altar, which is barred by a fence, houses a baroque design with 10 to 30 electric candles lighting up the dark interior of the parish. The parish’s ceiling may have come closer to the floor but the ventilation is sustained by a large fan to accommodate parishioners.
The grandeur of the parish might have been reduced but the faith of its residents remained. The parish is still active in celebrating the sacraments. Eucharistic celebrations are performed in Tagalog daily from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., while there is an evening Mass from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. during Wednesdays and Fridays.
The Sunday schedule is jam-packed with Masses at 6:00 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. The sacrament of reconciliation is celebrated 30 minutes before the Mass or during Holy Hours.
For more information about the parish, contact (632) 642 8051. The parish priest is Rev. Fr. Bebot Catuiran as of 2010.
Bacolor, Pampanga is just an hour drive north of Manila. Driving along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), one should take the San Fernando Exit and drive right along the Jose Abad Santos Highway. From there, turn left toward Bacolor. The church of San Guillermo could be partly seen from this highway.
Check out more photos of the parish here:
Photos by Mac Norhen Bornales