Loboc Church: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox church |
{{Infobox church |
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| name = Loboc Church |
| name = Loboc Church |
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| fullname = |
| fullname = Saint Peter the Apostle Parish |
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| image = Loboc Church facade.jpg |
| image = Loboc Church facade.jpg |
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| imagelink = |
| imagelink = |
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| imagealt = |
| imagealt = |
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| landscape = |
| landscape = |
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| caption = Façade of Loboc |
| caption = Façade of Loboc Church |
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| pushpin map = Philippines |
| pushpin map = Philippines |
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| pushpin label position = left |
| pushpin label position = left |
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| pushpin mapsize = 240px |
| pushpin mapsize = 240px |
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| map caption = Republic of the Philippines |
| map caption = Republic of the Philippines |
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| map label = Loboc |
| map label = Loboc Church |
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| latd = 9 |
| latd = 9 |
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| latm = 38 |
| latm = 38 |
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| founded date = 1596 <br/> 1602 (as parish) |
| founded date = 1596 <br/> 1602 (as parish) |
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| founder = Fr. Juan de Torres [[Society of Jesus|SJ]] |
| founder = Fr. Juan de Torres [[Society of Jesus|SJ]] |
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| dedication = [[ |
| dedication = [[Peter the Apostle]] |
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| dedicated date = |
| dedicated date = |
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| consecrated date = |
| consecrated date = |
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| status = [[ |
| status = [[parish church]] |
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| functional status = Active |
| functional status = Active |
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| heritage designation = [[List of National Cultural Treasures in the Philippines|National Cultural Treasure]] |
| heritage designation = [[List of National Cultural Treasures in the Philippines|National Cultural Treasure]] |
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}} |
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''' |
The '''Saint Peter the Apostle Parish''' (also '''''San Pedro Apostol'''''), commonly known as '''Loboc Church''', is a [[Catholic church|Roman Catholic church]] in the municipality of [[Loboc, Bohol|Loboc]] within the jurisdiction of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Tagbilaran]]. After the Jesuits established the Christian community in Baclayon, they moved to Loboc and became the second oldest Christian settlement in Bohol. It was established as a parish in 1602 and the present coral stone church was completed in 1734. Because of its strategic location, it became the center of Jesuit mission in Bohol. In 1768, upon the expulsion of the Jesuits, the town was transferred to the Augustinian Recollects. |
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The church was declared a National Historical Landmark by the [[National Historical Commission of the Philippines]] and a [[List of National Cultural Treasures in the Philippines|National Cultural Treasure]] by the [[National Museum of the Philippines]]. It is also considered for the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage]] [[List of World Heritage Sites in the Philippines|Tentative List of the Philippines]] under two collective groups, the ''[[Baroque Churches of the Philippines]]'' (Extension) and the ''Jesuit |
The church was declared a National Historical Landmark by the [[National Historical Commission of the Philippines]] and a [[List of National Cultural Treasures in the Philippines|National Cultural Treasure]] by the [[National Museum of the Philippines]]. It is also considered for the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage]] [[List of World Heritage Sites in the Philippines|Tentative List of the Philippines]] under two collective groups, the ''[[Baroque Churches of the Philippines]]'' (Extension) and the ''Jesuit Churches of the Philippines''. |
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It was severely damaged when a 7.2 magnitude [[2013 Bohol earthquake|earthquake]] struck Bohol and other parts of [[Central Visayas]] on October 15, 2013. |
It was severely damaged when a 7.2 magnitude [[2013 Bohol earthquake|earthquake]] struck Bohol and other parts of [[Central Visayas]] on October 15, 2013. |
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== Church history == |
== Church history == |
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After the establishment of the Jesuit missions in Bohol, Father Juan de Torres, [[Society of Jesus|SJ]] moved to the community along [[Loboc River |
After the establishment of the Jesuit missions in Bohol, Father Juan de Torres, [[Society of Jesus|SJ]] moved to the community along [[Loboc River]] in the late 1596 to establish their second mission station.<ref name=":1">{{Harvnb|Jose|2001 |
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|p = 68}}</ref> The first church made of wood was built by the people under the patronage of |
|p = 68}}</ref> The first church made of wood was built by the people under the patronage of [[Michael the Archangel|Saint Michael the Archangel]] on a site called Calvario, Sawang near the location of the present-day church.<ref name=":1" /> Loboc became a parish in 1602.<ref name=":1" /> Because of pirate attacks in [[Baclayon, Bohol|Baclayon]], the Jesuits chose Loboc's strategic position to become the center of their missions.<ref name=":1" /> The Jesuit superior for Bohol resided in Loboc.<ref name=":10">{{harvnb|Javellana|1988|p = 90}}</ref> The ''Seminario de los Indios'', a ''[[seminary|seminario]] '' (also ''seminaria'') used as boarding school for boys where they are trained regarding Christian life was established in 1605.<ref name=":10" /><ref>{{Harvard citation no brackets|Jose|2001|pp = 68–69}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|O'Malley|1999|p = 429}}</ref> |
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Fire destroyed the church in 1638 |
Fire destroyed the church in 1638 and was later reconstructed by the Jesuit priest Jose Sanchez.<ref name=":2" /> A larger church was built in 1670 at the present day convent.<ref name=":7" /> The present coral stone church was finished in 1734.<ref name=":2">{{harvnb|Jose|2001|p = 69}}</ref> When the Jesuits were expelled from the country in May 1768, the [[Order of Augustinian Recollects|Augustian Recollects]] succeeded them in November.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":11">{{harvnb|Javellana|1988|p = 92}}</ref> |
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=== Historical and cultural declarations === |
=== Historical and cultural declarations === |
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Loboc |
Loboc Church was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Institute, now National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|title=Resolution No. 7, s. 1998 Declaring the church of San Pedro Apostol in Loboc, Bohol as a National Historical Landmark|url=http://nhcp.gov.ph/files/NHI_res_7_1998.pdf|publisher=National Historical Commission of the Philippines|accessdate=October 15, 2014}}</ref> It was also listed as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines. Under two collective groups, the church complex is being considered for addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Philippines. Under the ''Jesuit Churches of the Philippines'', it is nominated together with the churches of [[Maragondon Church|Maragondon]] in [[Cavite province|Cavite]] and [[Guiuan, Eastern Samar]].<ref name="WHS">{{Cite web|url = http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/514/|title = Jesuit Churches of the Philippines|date = |accessdate = October 9, 2014|website = |publisher = UNESCO World Heritage Centre|last = |first = }}</ref> With the churches of Patrocinio de Maria in [[Boljoon, Cebu|Boljoon]], [[Cebu (province)|Cebu]]; La Inmaculada Concepcion in [[Guiuan, Eastern Samar|Guiuan]], [[Eastern Samar|Samar]]; [[Tumauini Church|San Matias]] in [[Tumauini, Isabela|Tumauini]], [[Isabela (province)|Isabela]] and San Isidro Labrador in [[Lazi, Siquijor|Lazi]], [[Siquijor]] it is nominated under the ''Baroque Churches of the Philippines'' (Extension).<ref name="baroque">{{Cite web|url = http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/3860/|title = Baroque churches of the Philippines (Extension)|date = |accessdate = October 9, 2014|website = |publisher = UNESCO World Heritage Centre|last = |first = }}</ref> |
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== Features == |
== Features == |
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[[File:The Church of San Pedro (Loboc Church).jpg|thumbnail|Thick walls of the church]] |
[[File:The Church of San Pedro (Loboc Church).jpg|thumbnail|Thick walls of the church]] |
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The church is built along the riverbanks, parallel to [[Loboc |
The church is built along the riverbanks, parallel to [[Loboc River]]. The coral stone church follows a [[cruciform]] plan with a sunken pyramidal roof on its [[Crossing (architecture)|crossing]]. As a church built by the Jesuits, exterior walls of the church have the Jesuit insignia and icons of an angel's wing and head.<ref name=":2" /> Major renovations where undertaken by Augustinian priest Father Aquilino Bon including the addition of a [[portico]] to the façade (1863–1866) and roofing with tiles (1873).<ref name=":2" /> Father Jose Sanchez, [[Order of Augustinian Recollects|OAR]], added the stone buttresses to the walls (1891-1893) and side porticoes (1895-1896).<ref name=":2" /> Because of frequent flooding, wooden flooring was changed to cement tiles (1895)<ref name=":4">{{harvnb|Jose|2001|p = 71}}</ref> and was elevated (1969).<ref name=":3" /> |
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=== Façade === |
=== Façade === |
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The inner baroque façade, which is part of the 1734 church built by the Jesuits, is decorated with [[pilasters]], [[Capital (architecture)|capital]]s, blind [[Niche (architecture)|niche]]s and [[volute]]s.<ref name=":3">{{harvnb|Jose|2001|p = 70}}</ref><ref name=":12">Japan Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage. (2014). ''Survey Report on the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Republic of the Philippines.'' Tokyo, Japan.</ref> It was patterned after the San Ignacio |
The inner baroque façade, which is part of the 1734 church built by the Jesuits, is decorated with [[pilasters]], [[Capital (architecture)|capital]]s, blind [[Niche (architecture)|niche]]s and [[volute]]s.<ref name=":3">{{harvnb|Jose|2001|p = 70}}</ref><ref name=":12">Japan Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage. (2014). ''Survey Report on the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Republic of the Philippines.'' Tokyo, Japan.</ref> It was patterned after the San Ignacio Church in Intramuros with two levels, a triangular pediment and two narrow octagonal bell tower on both sides.<ref>{{harvnb|Javellana|1988|p = 93}}</ref> The neoclassical portico houses niches for'' [[Peter the Apostle|Saint Peter]]'' and ''[[Paul the Apostle|Saint Paul]]''.<ref name=":12" /> Along the pediment is a wooden [[bas-relief]] on [[galvanized iron]] of the [[papal tiara]] over crossed keys, symbol of Saint Peter, on the center and medallions carrying the icons of the Augustinians and Saint Peter on both ends.<ref name=":2" /> |
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=== Church |
=== Church altars or ''retablos'' === |
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The church has five retablos. The central retablo (or ''retablo mayor'') at the altar houses the image of Saint Peter, patron, paired with |
The church has five ''retablos''. The central ''retablo'' (or ''retablo mayor'') at the altar houses the image of Saint Peter, patron, paired with Saint Paul on the uppermost niche; the [[Our Lady of Guadalupe]], secondary patron, center of the lowest level; [[Saint Lucy]] and [[Francis Xavier|Saint Francis Xavier]], elected patrons of the people in 1697 against typhoons, floods and alligators, respectively on the side niches of the Virgin Mary.<ref name=":4" /> Behind the walls of the ''retablo mayor'' are remains of the former Jesuit altarpiece of a bas-relief of [[Ignatius of Loyola|Saint Ignatius of Loyola]] and Saint Francis Xavier dressed as pilgrims.<ref name=":4" /> |
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==== Epistle |
==== Epistle ''retablo'' ==== |
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[[File:Loboc church interior.png|thumbnail|Interior of Loboc |
[[File:Loboc church interior.png|thumbnail|Interior of Loboc Church showing the pulpit, epistle ''retablo'' and ceiling paintings]] |
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On the right side of the altar are two retablos. The larger altar on the right side currently houses the image of |
On the right side of the altar are two ''retablos''. The larger altar on the right side currently houses the image of Saint Francis Xavier as preacher on the topmost level; [[Vincent Ferrer|Saint Vincent Ferrer]] (center), [[Saint Augustine of Hippo|Saint Augustine]] (left), [[Saint Monica|Saint Monico]] (right) on the middle level; and ''Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion'' (center), [[Saint Anne]] (right) and [[Thérèse of Lisieux|Saint Thérèse]] (originally [[Saint Joachim]]) (left) on the lowest level.<ref name=":6">{{harvnb|Jose|2001|p = 72}}</ref> The smaller altar has two levels of baroque and neoclassical style with images of the crucified Christ and the [[Santo Niño de Cebú|Santo Niño]] for the lower and upper levels respectively.<ref name=":6" /> The tomb of Father Aquilino Bon and other Recollect priests who served Loboc can be found on this side of the church.<ref name=":6" /> Remains of Jesuit priest Alonso de Humanes were formerly interred here before the transfer of his remains to Saint Ignatius in [[Intramuros]].<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":5">{{harvnb|Jose|2001|p = 73}}</ref> The fire of 1638 in a former Loboc church stopped at the foot of Humanes' tomb.<ref name=":5" /> The story easily spread across the people of the Loboc and nearby towns which drew pilgrims to light candles in memory of Humanes.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{harvnb|Javellana|1988|p = 91}}</ref> |
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==== Gospel |
==== Gospel ''retablo'' ==== |
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On the left side of the altar are also two retablos. The larger altar, which is a twin of the larger epistle altar, houses an image of a unidentified saint on the topmost level, presumably [[Michael the Archangel |
On the left side of the altar are also two ''retablos''. The larger altar, which is a twin of the larger epistle altar, houses an image of a unidentified saint on the topmost level, presumably [[Michael the Archangel]]; and the crucified Christ (originally [[Madonna and Child]]) (center), [[Anthony of Padua|Saint Anthony of Padua]] (left), [[Nicholas de Tolentino|Saint Nicolas de Tolentino]] (right) on the middle level.<ref name=":5" /> The original images on the lowest level have been replaced. The smaller altar, also of the same style, houses the images of [[Saint Joseph]] and the [[child Jesus]], and [[Saint Isidore the Laborer|Saint Isidore]] on the lower and upper level.<ref name=":5" /> |
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=== Interiors === |
=== Interiors === |
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=== Sacristy and Convent === |
=== Sacristy and Convent === |
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The [[sacristy]] is located behind the apse.<ref name=":11" /> It has a retablo with a crucifix on its central niche.<ref name=":5" /> Two bas-reliefs of Saint Ignatius and the first Jesuits before Mary and the Child Jesus in [[stucco]]<ref name=":5" /> and St. Ignatius holding a book in wood can be found on the doorways.<ref name=":7">{{harvnb|Jose|2001|p = 74}}</ref> The [[convent]], which was built around 1854, was used as the central residence of Jesuit Missions in Bohol.<ref name=":11" /> It was built parallel to the [[transept]] and was an unusual three story structure with a two story outdoor gallery (called ''volada'') and thick walls.<ref name=":7" /> The three story convent is the only convent in the Philippines with three floors.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/articles-on-c-n-a/article.php?i=17|title = The Restoration of 26 Philippine Churches|date = September 29, 2003|accessdate = September 14, 2014|website = |publisher = National Commission for Culture and the Arts|last = Reinerio|first = Alba}}</ref> Extension perpendicular to the convent was done the middle of the 19th century.<ref name=":7" /> It was also adorned with paintings on its walls and ceilings, with colored glass on its windows and [[cornices]] on the kitchen. The roof was replaced by galvanized iron in 1888.<ref name=":7" /> The third floor of the convent is now used as an ecclesiastical museum (known as ''Loboc Museum'') with several religious artifacts such as a 1786 silver missal and 18th century wooden Santo Niño.<ref name=":7" /> |
The [[sacristy]] is located behind the apse.<ref name=":11" /> It has a ''retablo'' with a crucifix on its central niche.<ref name=":5" /> Two bas-reliefs of Saint Ignatius and the first Jesuits before Mary and the Child Jesus in [[stucco]]<ref name=":5" /> and St. Ignatius holding a book in wood can be found on the doorways.<ref name=":7">{{harvnb|Jose|2001|p = 74}}</ref> The [[convent]], which was built around 1854, was used as the central residence of Jesuit Missions in Bohol.<ref name=":11" /> It was built parallel to the [[transept]] and was an unusual three story structure with a two story outdoor gallery (called ''volada'') and thick walls.<ref name=":7" /> The three story convent is the only convent in the Philippines with three floors.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/articles-on-c-n-a/article.php?i=17|title = The Restoration of 26 Philippine Churches|date = September 29, 2003|accessdate = September 14, 2014|website = |publisher = National Commission for Culture and the Arts|last = Reinerio|first = Alba}}</ref> Extension perpendicular to the convent was done the middle of the 19th century.<ref name=":7" /> It was also adorned with paintings on its walls and ceilings, with colored glass on its windows and [[cornices]] on the kitchen. The roof was replaced by galvanized iron in 1888.<ref name=":7" /> The third floor of the convent is now used as an ecclesiastical museum (known as ''Loboc Museum'') with several religious artifacts such as a 1786 silver missal and 18th century wooden Santo Niño.<ref name=":7" /> |
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=== Bell tower === |
=== Bell tower === |
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[[File:Bell Tower St. Peter Parish Loboc, Bohol.JPG|thumbnail|Bell tower of Loboc |
[[File:Bell Tower St. Peter Parish Loboc, Bohol.JPG|thumbnail|Bell tower of Loboc Church]] |
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A detached four-storey [[bell tower]] was built near the riverbanks by the first Augustinian Recollect priest of Loboc.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":9">{{harvnb|Jose|2001|p = 75}}</ref> It has seven bells with the 1863 bell being the oldest and the 1937 bell named for Father Cayetano Bastes being the largest.<ref name=":9" /> It also has a large wooden [[matraca|ratchet]] (1899) used during Holy Week and a clock from the Altonaga Company installed in 1893.<ref name=":9" /> |
A detached four-storey [[bell tower]] was built near the riverbanks by the first Augustinian Recollect priest of Loboc.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":9">{{harvnb|Jose|2001|p = 75}}</ref> It has seven bells with the 1863 bell being the oldest and the 1937 bell named for Father Cayetano Bastes being the largest.<ref name=":9" /> It also has a large wooden [[matraca|ratchet]] (1899) used during Holy Week and a clock from the Altonaga Company installed in 1893.<ref name=":9" /> |
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=== Mortuary === |
=== Mortuary === |
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The hexagonal [[mortuary]] is located on the left side of the façade. It was built by Father Bon from 1867 to 1868.<ref name=":2"/> Inside is a baroque retablo similar to the altars inside the church. It is now used as a meeting hall.<ref name=":9" /> |
The hexagonal [[mortuary]] is located on the left side of the façade. It was built by Father Bon from 1867 to 1868.<ref name=":2"/> Inside is a baroque ''retablo'' similar to the altars inside the church. It is now used as a meeting hall.<ref name=":9" /> |
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== 2013 Bohol earthquake == |
== 2013 Bohol earthquake == |
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The island of Bohol experienced a [[2013 Bohol earthquake|strong earthquake]] at 8:12 AM on October 15, 2013. The church of Loboc suffered major damage to its structure with its façade in rubble and its tower collapsed. |
The island of Bohol experienced a [[2013 Bohol earthquake|strong earthquake]] at 8:12 AM on October 15, 2013. The church of Loboc suffered major damage to its structure with its façade in rubble and its tower collapsed. |
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px" caption="Loboc |
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px" caption="Loboc Church after the 2013 Bohol Earthquake"> |
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Remains of Loboc church post-2013 earthquake.jpg|Church building |
Remains of Loboc church post-2013 earthquake.jpg|Church building |
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File:Remains of Loboc church belfry post-2013 earthquake.jpg|Bell tower |
File:Remains of Loboc church belfry post-2013 earthquake.jpg|Bell tower |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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The Diocese of Tagbilaran plans to restore the church of Loboc and all other churches destroyed by the earthquake.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url = http://manilastandardtoday.com/mobile/2014/01/25/bohol-churches-to-be-restored/|title = Bohol churches to be restored|date = January 25, 2014|accessdate = September 4, 2014|website = |publisher = Manila Standard Today|last = Espina|first = Flordeliza}}</ref> While waiting for the complete restoration and rehabilitation of the old church, the people of Loboc inaugurated |
The Diocese of Tagbilaran plans to restore the church of Loboc and all other churches destroyed by the earthquake.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url = http://manilastandardtoday.com/mobile/2014/01/25/bohol-churches-to-be-restored/|title = Bohol churches to be restored|date = January 25, 2014|accessdate = September 4, 2014|website = |publisher = Manila Standard Today|last = Espina|first = Flordeliza}}</ref> While waiting for the complete restoration and rehabilitation of the old church, the people of Loboc inaugurated an alternate church on October 12, 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/video/221236/24oras/alternate-church-na-gagamitin-habang-inaayos-ang-loboc-church-binuksan|title = Alternate church na gagamitin habang inaayos ang Loboc Church, binuksan|date = October 12, 2014|accessdate = October 14, 2014|website = |publisher = GMA News|last = Refran|first = Saleema|language = Filipino}}</ref> |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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{{Commons category|San Pedro |
{{Commons category|San Pedro Church, Loboc}} |
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{{World Heritage Sites in the Philippines}} |
{{World Heritage Sites in the Philippines}} |
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Revision as of 18:24, 17 October 2014
| Loboc Church | |
|---|---|
| Saint Peter the Apostle Parish | |
 Façade of Loboc Church | |
.svg)  Loboc Church Republic of the Philippines | |
| 9°38′N 124°02′E / 9.633°N 124.033°E | |
| Location | Brgy. Poblacion Ondol, Loboc, Bohol |
| Country | Philippines |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | Diocese of Tagbilaran |
| History | |
| Status | parish church |
| Founded | 1596 1602 (as parish) |
| Founder(s) | Fr. Juan de Torres SJ |
| Dedication | Peter the Apostle |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | National Cultural Treasure |
| Architectural type | Church building |
| Style | Baroque |
| Groundbreaking | 1670 |
| Completed | 1734 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Coral stones |
| Administration | |
| Province | Cebu |
| Archdiocese | Cebu |
| Diocese | Tagbilaran |
| Clergy | |
| Archbishop | Jose S. Palma |
| Bishop(s) | Leonardo Y. Medroso |
| Priest(s) | Alger L. Angcla |
| Assistant priest(s) | Alvin C. Pusta |
The Saint Peter the Apostle Parish (also San Pedro Apostol), commonly known as Loboc Church, is a Roman Catholic church in the municipality of Loboc within the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tagbilaran. After the Jesuits established the Christian community in Baclayon, they moved to Loboc and became the second oldest Christian settlement in Bohol. It was established as a parish in 1602 and the present coral stone church was completed in 1734. Because of its strategic location, it became the center of Jesuit mission in Bohol. In 1768, upon the expulsion of the Jesuits, the town was transferred to the Augustinian Recollects.
The church was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines. It is also considered for the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List of the Philippines under two collective groups, the Baroque Churches of the Philippines (Extension) and the Jesuit Churches of the Philippines.
It was severely damaged when a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Bohol and other parts of Central Visayas on October 15, 2013.
Church history
After the establishment of the Jesuit missions in Bohol, Father Juan de Torres, SJ moved to the community along Loboc River in the late 1596 to establish their second mission station.[1] The first church made of wood was built by the people under the patronage of Saint Michael the Archangel on a site called Calvario, Sawang near the location of the present-day church.[1] Loboc became a parish in 1602.[1] Because of pirate attacks in Baclayon, the Jesuits chose Loboc's strategic position to become the center of their missions.[1] The Jesuit superior for Bohol resided in Loboc.[2] The Seminario de los Indios, a seminario (also seminaria) used as boarding school for boys where they are trained regarding Christian life was established in 1605.[2][3][4]
Fire destroyed the church in 1638 and was later reconstructed by the Jesuit priest Jose Sanchez.[5] A larger church was built in 1670 at the present day convent.[6] The present coral stone church was finished in 1734.[5] When the Jesuits were expelled from the country in May 1768, the Augustian Recollects succeeded them in November.[5][7]
Historical and cultural declarations
Loboc Church was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Institute, now National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 1998.[8] It was also listed as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines. Under two collective groups, the church complex is being considered for addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Philippines. Under the Jesuit Churches of the Philippines, it is nominated together with the churches of Maragondon in Cavite and Guiuan, Eastern Samar.[9] With the churches of Patrocinio de Maria in Boljoon, Cebu; La Inmaculada Concepcion in Guiuan, Samar; San Matias in Tumauini, Isabela and San Isidro Labrador in Lazi, Siquijor it is nominated under the Baroque Churches of the Philippines (Extension).[10]
Features
.jpg)
The church is built along the riverbanks, parallel to Loboc River. The coral stone church follows a cruciform plan with a sunken pyramidal roof on its crossing. As a church built by the Jesuits, exterior walls of the church have the Jesuit insignia and icons of an angel's wing and head.[5] Major renovations where undertaken by Augustinian priest Father Aquilino Bon including the addition of a portico to the façade (1863–1866) and roofing with tiles (1873).[5] Father Jose Sanchez, OAR, added the stone buttresses to the walls (1891-1893) and side porticoes (1895-1896).[5] Because of frequent flooding, wooden flooring was changed to cement tiles (1895)[11] and was elevated (1969).[12]
Façade
The inner baroque façade, which is part of the 1734 church built by the Jesuits, is decorated with pilasters, capitals, blind niches and volutes.[12][13] It was patterned after the San Ignacio Church in Intramuros with two levels, a triangular pediment and two narrow octagonal bell tower on both sides.[14] The neoclassical portico houses niches for Saint Peter and Saint Paul.[13] Along the pediment is a wooden bas-relief on galvanized iron of the papal tiara over crossed keys, symbol of Saint Peter, on the center and medallions carrying the icons of the Augustinians and Saint Peter on both ends.[5]
Church altars or retablos
The church has five retablos. The central retablo (or retablo mayor) at the altar houses the image of Saint Peter, patron, paired with Saint Paul on the uppermost niche; the Our Lady of Guadalupe, secondary patron, center of the lowest level; Saint Lucy and Saint Francis Xavier, elected patrons of the people in 1697 against typhoons, floods and alligators, respectively on the side niches of the Virgin Mary.[11] Behind the walls of the retablo mayor are remains of the former Jesuit altarpiece of a bas-relief of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier dressed as pilgrims.[11]
Epistle retablo
On the right side of the altar are two retablos. The larger altar on the right side currently houses the image of Saint Francis Xavier as preacher on the topmost level; Saint Vincent Ferrer (center), Saint Augustine (left), Saint Monico (right) on the middle level; and Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion (center), Saint Anne (right) and Saint Thérèse (originally Saint Joachim) (left) on the lowest level.[15] The smaller altar has two levels of baroque and neoclassical style with images of the crucified Christ and the Santo Niño for the lower and upper levels respectively.[15] The tomb of Father Aquilino Bon and other Recollect priests who served Loboc can be found on this side of the church.[15] Remains of Jesuit priest Alonso de Humanes were formerly interred here before the transfer of his remains to Saint Ignatius in Intramuros.[15][16] The fire of 1638 in a former Loboc church stopped at the foot of Humanes' tomb.[16] The story easily spread across the people of the Loboc and nearby towns which drew pilgrims to light candles in memory of Humanes.[16][17]
Gospel retablo
On the left side of the altar are also two retablos. The larger altar, which is a twin of the larger epistle altar, houses an image of a unidentified saint on the topmost level, presumably Michael the Archangel; and the crucified Christ (originally Madonna and Child) (center), Saint Anthony of Padua (left), Saint Nicolas de Tolentino (right) on the middle level.[16] The original images on the lowest level have been replaced. The smaller altar, also of the same style, houses the images of Saint Joseph and the child Jesus, and Saint Isidore on the lower and upper level.[16]
Interiors
The church is adorned with ceiling paintings by Canuto Avila and his son Ricardo and Ray Francia from May 1926 to July 1927,[12] retouched by Cris Naparota in 1995.[12] The mural of Our Lady of Guadalupe, secondary patron of Loboc, by Max Aya-ay in 1930[7] at the center of the nave depicts how the Virgin saved Loboc from floods on November 26, 1876.[12] The chuch also has a separate cantilevered organ loft hosting a large pipe organ believed to be connected to Father Diego Cera, maker of the Las Piñas Bamboo organ.[12]
Sacristy and Convent
The sacristy is located behind the apse.[7] It has a retablo with a crucifix on its central niche.[16] Two bas-reliefs of Saint Ignatius and the first Jesuits before Mary and the Child Jesus in stucco[16] and St. Ignatius holding a book in wood can be found on the doorways.[6] The convent, which was built around 1854, was used as the central residence of Jesuit Missions in Bohol.[7] It was built parallel to the transept and was an unusual three story structure with a two story outdoor gallery (called volada) and thick walls.[6] The three story convent is the only convent in the Philippines with three floors.[18] Extension perpendicular to the convent was done the middle of the 19th century.[6] It was also adorned with paintings on its walls and ceilings, with colored glass on its windows and cornices on the kitchen. The roof was replaced by galvanized iron in 1888.[6] The third floor of the convent is now used as an ecclesiastical museum (known as Loboc Museum) with several religious artifacts such as a 1786 silver missal and 18th century wooden Santo Niño.[6]
Bell tower
A detached four-storey bell tower was built near the riverbanks by the first Augustinian Recollect priest of Loboc.[5][19] It has seven bells with the 1863 bell being the oldest and the 1937 bell named for Father Cayetano Bastes being the largest.[19] It also has a large wooden ratchet (1899) used during Holy Week and a clock from the Altonaga Company installed in 1893.[19]
Mortuary
The hexagonal mortuary is located on the left side of the façade. It was built by Father Bon from 1867 to 1868.[5] Inside is a baroque retablo similar to the altars inside the church. It is now used as a meeting hall.[19]
2013 Bohol earthquake
The island of Bohol experienced a strong earthquake at 8:12 AM on October 15, 2013. The church of Loboc suffered major damage to its structure with its façade in rubble and its tower collapsed.
- Loboc Church after the 2013 Bohol Earthquake
-
Church building -
Bell tower
The Diocese of Tagbilaran plans to restore the church of Loboc and all other churches destroyed by the earthquake.[20] While waiting for the complete restoration and rehabilitation of the old church, the people of Loboc inaugurated an alternate church on October 12, 2014.[21]
See also
Notes
- ^ a b c d Jose 2001, p. 68
- ^ a b Javellana 1988, p. 90
- ^ Jose 2001, pp. 68–69
- ^ O'Malley 1999, p. 429
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Jose 2001, p. 69
- ^ a b c d e f Jose 2001, p. 74
- ^ a b c d Javellana 1988, p. 92
- ^ "Resolution No. 7, s. 1998 Declaring the church of San Pedro Apostol in Loboc, Bohol as a National Historical Landmark" (PDF). National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
- ^ "Jesuit Churches of the Philippines". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved October 9, 2014.
- ^ "Baroque churches of the Philippines (Extension)". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved October 9, 2014.
- ^ a b c Jose 2001, p. 71
- ^ a b c d e f Jose 2001, p. 70
- ^ a b Japan Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage. (2014). Survey Report on the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Republic of the Philippines. Tokyo, Japan.
- ^ Javellana 1988, p. 93
- ^ a b c d Jose 2001, p. 72
- ^ a b c d e f g Jose 2001, p. 73
- ^ Javellana 1988, p. 91
- ^ Reinerio, Alba (September 29, 2003). "The Restoration of 26 Philippine Churches". National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
- ^ a b c d Jose 2001, p. 75
- ^ Espina, Flordeliza (January 25, 2014). "Bohol churches to be restored". Manila Standard Today. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
- ^ Refran, Saleema (October 12, 2014). "Alternate church na gagamitin habang inaayos ang Loboc Church, binuksan" (in Filipino). GMA News. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
Bibliography
- Javellana SJ, Rene (1988). "Angels and Gargoyles of Loboc Church" (pdf). Philippine Studies. Vol 36 (issue 1). Ateneo de Manila University: 88–97.
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- Jose, Regalado Trota (2001). Visita Iglesia Bohol (A Guide to Historic Churches). Manila: National Commission for Culture and the Arts. pp. 68–75. ISBN 9718140166.
{{cite book}}: Invalid|ref=harv(help) - O'Malley, John (1999). The Jesuits: Cultures, Sciences, and the Arts, 1540-1773, Volume 1. University of Toronto Press. p. 429. ISBN 9780802042873.
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