LUMANG SIMBAHAN: RUINS OF SAN PEDRO CHURCH, ANTIQUE
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We were on our to the home-based factory of one of the producers of San Jose Antique when we noticed a very beautiful ruins on the side of San Pedro Parish Church in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique.
The sight really struck me so after our factory visit, I really asked the group to just allow me to take some photos and asked a few information about the ruins.
Of course, my companions cannot also resist by just staying in the van, so they also decided to check the place with me. We were lucky that there were some women present in the convent of the new church so we managed to get a few information about the place.
The main entrance of the Lumang Simbahan
The entire ground of the church which covers both the new and the ruins was quiet and peaceful. But the ruins gave me a different impression. It somehow evoked so many stories that were never told. If only the walls and gates can talk they would probably tell so many interesting stories about the past. Unfortunately, not much-written history was available in the church except for some basic information about the ruins wherein some of which were only based in oral history and traditions.
From a piece of literature written by Dr. Aurelio Tating and Mrs. Natividad Tambanillo which we’ve got from the church, they called the ruins as the Lumang Simbahan.
The inside of the Lumang Simbahan
The ruins used to be the original San Pedro Parish Church which was built by the Augustinian Missionaries during the Spanish time. It has the shape of a Latin cross with three doors, 1 on each side and 1 major entrance. The church measures 77 meters long and 14 meters wide.
According to the oral history the church was originally roofed with cogon grass and was burned by the pet monkey of the Parish priest. Since then the structure was never repaired. The church was even more neglected when the Japanese during the World War II occupied the Province of Antique .
yours truly withCherry Azurin and Marivic Rio at the main of the “Lumang Simbahan”
In 1939, Fr. Richard Kemperman, MHM, an architect, built a grotto of the Our lady of Lourdes inside the ruins. He beautified and blessed the ruins on February 11, 1940 in time of the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
In 1954, Fr. Cornelius de Wit, MHM became the parish priest of San Pedro. During his term, he put up the belfry at the main entrance of the ruins.
In 1972, San Pedro became the farmer’s center of the Diocese. Fr. Gerad Pijnappel, MHM put up buildings on the right and left wing of the ruins in order to house farmer-participants during training and seminars. The ruins was still neglected and was even used as a temporary stable for the animals.
The new San Pedro Church which is just a few meters away from the Lumang Simbahan
The ruins of the old San Pedro Church was only given attention in 1998 during the time of Fr. Glicerio Geremia being the parish priest. Through fundraising, the ruins as cleared and was beautified.
For donations and inquiries for the improvement of the place. Please contact:
THE PASH PRIEST
San Pedro Parish
San Jose de Buenavista, Antique ,Philippines
Tel. (036) 320–1735
I used to play there when I was a grader. Am happy that it is part of tourist destination.
Although the church is already in ruins, I can’t help but fall in love with it because it’s so beautiful!
I’d love to visit this church someday. It looks rich in history.
It’s nice that instead of repairing the church which will only ruin the church’s wonderful history, they decided to build a new church instead
thanks for sharing
There’s so much history with the church. It’s a great heritage attraction worth visiting.
I have yet to discover and explore Antique. I’ve only been to Iloilo, Kalibo, and Boracay, but not the other side of Panay Island. 🙂
As a half Antiqueno, it is interesting to know that there is a place like this in Antique. I should definitely see more of my Mom’s birthplace on my next visit!
Angelo
http://www.AngeloTheExplorer.com