After visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando, our group headed subsequent to 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 (often known 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.
Essentially the most defining occasion in San Guillermo’s historical past was the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. The huge eruption brought about catastrophic lahar flows that buried a lot of Bacolor, together with San Guillermo Parish. Solely concerning the high third of the church remained seen, with round 12 meters of the construction submerged below the volcanic particles.
Regardless of the burial, locals preserved what remained of the church, turning the seen half right into a practical chapel. The sunken church has since change into a logo of resilience and an attraction for each pilgrims and vacationers.
The surviving construction underwent restoration to make it accessible for worship once more. At the moment, 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 outstanding image of the Kapampangan folks’s energy and religion, highlighting the group’s capability to face up to and rebuild within the face of adversity. It has been featured in numerous Philippine movies and TV reveals, typically symbolizing the resilience and spirit of the locals. In all probability some of the notable is the 2009 Tv Collection “Could Bukas Pa” the place “Bro” (referring to character depicted as Jesus Christ) turned a family title.
The church’s spectacular peak 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 peak of round 12 meters (about 40 toes). Nonetheless, 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 toes)—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 circulate subsided, locals started efforts to uncover the church, with many volunteering to take away particles manually. Utilizing shovels, buckets, and no matter instruments that they had, they began excavating areas round the primary entrance and the altar, which have been largely buried below meters of volcanic ash and dust. Skilled gear and equipment have been later introduced in to assist these efforts, particularly for the deeper sections and extra delicate areas, just like the altar and fundamental sanctuary.
Regardless of being half-buried, the altar and different key components of the sanctuary have been restored as a lot as doable. The uncovered components have been cleaned, repaired, and embellished, permitting for practical use even throughout the restricted area. After the excavation, the church was modified to accommodate its new “sunken” construction. The high portion turned the primary 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 assist for preservation, because it has change into 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 take care of the construction and forestall additional erosion or injury.
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 superbly 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 beautiful retablo mayor of San Guillermo Parish of Bacolor. After the eruption, the city’s folks excavated the altar and the retablo and relocated it below the dome. The retablos niches are full of 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 Girl 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 superbly ornate altars are nonetheless intact. It’s spectacular how they managed to revive them again to their former glory.
The primary altar
Positioned close to the primary 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 essential 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 Submit is a part of my Pampanga Pilgrimage sequence. Be at liberty to revisit my earlier articles right here
