THE
OBANDO CHURCH
Have
you ever felt that raging feeling of visiting religious places with historical
foundations? If yes, then this is perfect for you. Join me as I explore the
beauty of the famous Obando Church.
San
Pascual de Baylon Parish Church, also known as The Obando Church or The Church
of Obando, is one of the oldest and most historic Roman Catholic Church in the
Philippines. It is located at the town of Obando in the province of Bulacan, on
the island of Luzon. During the month of May, it serves as a venue for the
three-day Obando Fertility Rites held annually in honor of three patron saints
namely: St. Pascual Baylon, St. Claire of Assisi, and Our Lady of Salambao.
The
Obando Church was built on April 29, 1754 commissioned by the Franciscan Order,
led by Rev. P. Manuel de Olivencia, who was also the first parish priest of the
church.
The
church, greatly affected by the clashes between the Japanese and
American-Filipino joint troops during the World War II, was destroyed. It was
rebuilt through the efforts of Rev. Fr. Marcos Punzal after two years.
The
structure of the church was altered a bit over the years from its original
form. The facade and most of its exterior including the octagon-shaped bell was
polished with paint which gives it a more "modern" vibe instead of an
old rustic impression. The cathedral is composed of windows and flat columns,
and has a pedicament with a niche and two round windows at the sides.
The
icon of San Pascual de Baylon stands on its altar. San Pascual, a Spanish friar
a d a Farnciscan, is the foremost patron of Obando Church. And in the middle of
the main altar stands the statue of Nuestra Senora de Salambao that is believed
to be a miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On the right side of the
main altar is the image of Santa Clara, the oldest patron of Obando Bulacan.
Sources:
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